In a recent address at the International Women’s day celebrations in Nakaseke, President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the importance of socioeconomic empowerment for Ugandan women, urging them to embrace the National Resistance Movement (NRM) doctrine. Highlighting the First Lady, Janet Kataha Museveni, as a role model, the President called on women to adopt strategic approaches to achieve economic transformation. He underscored initiatives such as the 4-acre model strategy and the Parish Development Model (PDM) as key tools for progress.
The President encouraged communities to treat the PDM Fund as a “hereditary fund” for their parishes, stressing the need to safeguard it against misuse. He also called for testimonies from beneficiaries of PDM, the GROW Fund, and other socioeconomic development programs to showcase their impact. Addressing concerns about access to these funds, he tasked the Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, and Dr. Ruth Aisha Kasolo, the GROW Fund Coordinator, to resolve challenges raised by the public.
President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the budget for women-focused funds, clarifying that only their secretariats were affected by the recent Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure.
Minister Betty Amongi in her response highlighted persistent gaps in women’s empowerment. She pointed to issues such as limited access to technology and the internet in rural areas, cultural norms perpetuating child marriages, gender-based violence (GBV), and the need for enhanced police capacity to investigate GBV cases. She also raised concerns about the taxation of sanitary pads and violence during elections.
Vice President Jesca Alupo praised President Museveni’s strategic efforts to integrate women into leadership and business. She noted the significant contributions of women leaders in key positions, including the Vice President, Prime Minister, and various ministers. Alupo rallied women to support the President general elections, citing his unwavering commitment to women’s emancipation and empowerment.
