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President Museveni emphasized the importance of achieving wealth for all to address the challenges facing women during the International Women’s Day 2024 Celebrations at Boma Grounds, Katakwi District, eastern Uganda. He stressed that with wealth for all, issues such as the selling of girls through bride price could be eradicated.
According to the President, many families possess the potential for wealth due to their land holdings, which can be utilized through commercial agriculture with proper calculation. He highlighted the significance of organic women emancipation rather than through legislation, emphasizing the importance of socioeconomic development within families.
President Museveni underscored the role of education in achieving socioeconomic transformation, particularly through mass education and involvement in the money economy. He expressed concern over school dropouts, particularly girls, due to unauthorized charges in government schools, reiterating the NRM’s commitment to enforce free education.
Furthermore, the President encouraged the promotion of commercial agriculture, artisanship, industries, services, and ICT to empower both women and men economically. He cited success stories in various regions where socioeconomic transformation had been achieved through initiatives such as commercialization of the dairy sector and agricultural projects.
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President Museveni assured the people of Teso of government support, including expanding the fruit factory in Soroti and promoting fish, dairy, and poultry farming. He commended Vice President Jessica Alupo for her efforts in leading economic initiatives in Teso and serving as a role model for girls.
During the celebrations, President Museveni signed Memoranda of Understanding aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project. Additionally, funds totaling Shs9 billion were disbursed to women in business across four districts.
Various speakers, including government officials, lauded President Museveni’s leadership in promoting women’s empowerment and economic prosperity. They highlighted the importance of affirmative action and government programs in supporting women’s development.
UN Resident Coordinator to Uganda, Ms. Susan Namondo Ngongi, commended Uganda’s progress in promoting gender equality and pledged continued support from the UN. Ambassador of Austria to Uganda, H.E Katja Yvonne Kerschbaumer, also praised President Museveni’s commitment to gender equality and emphasized the need for inclusive economic growth.
Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, Chairperson of the National Women’s Council-Uganda, expressed gratitude for President Museveni’s dedication to women’s empowerment and highlighted the council’s role in producing skilled women ready for deployment.
Despite the progress, challenges such as gender-based violence persist. Hajjat Kibowa called for advocacy and programs promoting gender equality to address these challenges.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and religious and traditional leaders, underscoring the significance of women’s empowerment in Uganda’s development agenda.
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