By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, has declared that the country is ready to take the lead in the race to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Speaking passionately at a regional SDG forum, Nabbanja reiterated Uganda’s commitment to advancing the global development agenda, not only nationally but across the African Union (AU) bloc.
“We shall ensure that AU member states, and in particular the Republic of Uganda, take deliberate measures to accelerate the delivery of sustainable development goals,” Nabbanja said.
Special emphasis, according to the Prime Minister, will be placed on five SDGs, notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
“You know what I’m talking about,” she said. “That is good health and well-being of our communities – SDG 3. SDG number five, we shall continue to make sure that gender equality and empowerment of women and girls are achieved. She’s our champion there. We will continue to do it.”
Despite the progress, Nabbanja raised concerns that several African countries are lagging behind in the SDG implementation race.
“We commend the governments for the strides they have made on delivering the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We equally note that some African countries are not yet on track to fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” she cautioned.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as the Woman MP for Kakumiro District, commended President Yoweri Museveni for his leadership in championing gender equality. She cited Uganda’s achievements in promoting women into top leadership positions as a testament to the country’s progress.
“Copy it or pass it,” Nabbanja quipped. “The Vice President is a woman. The Prime Minister here speaking is the first female Prime Minister. If you have never seen the first female Prime Minister of Uganda, here she is. The Speaker of Parliament is a woman.”
Uganda currently chairs the African Bureau on Sustainable Development, a position the Prime Minister attributed to the country’s strong performance in promoting the SDGs.
Nabbanja also underscored the importance of delivering results as a female leader, noting that performance inspires the next generation of women.
“But as women leaders, when you are put in a position of leadership, you must make sure that you deliver, make sure that you deliver so that other women are inspired. And that drives me every day,” she emphasized.
She highlighted Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM) as one of the key strategies being used to economically empower women across the country.
“Thirty percent of that is for women, 30% is for the youth, and among the youth, we have the girls,” she stated.
As the 2030 deadline approaches, Uganda’s commitment and leadership could prove instrumental in guiding the continent toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
