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Mukono District joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day with strong calls for women to unite, embrace government empowerment programs, and actively participate in income-generating activities to improve their livelihoods and communities.
The district celebrations were held on Friday at Kisowera Primary School in Nama Sub-county under the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.” Women from different sub-counties and town councils gathered to reflect on the achievements, opportunities, and challenges affecting women in society.
Speaking during the event, Mukono District Community Development Officer Ms. Minisa Namukose Kirya applauded women for their resilience and hard work, urging them to take advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP).
She encouraged participants to use the knowledge acquired during the celebrations to educate and mobilize fellow women in their respective communities.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Namboozo Fulatu emphasized the importance of investing in women and girls through education and empowerment, saying it remains critical for national transformation.
She reaffirmed the district’s commitment to promoting gender equality, protecting women against violence and abuse, and encouraging their participation in leadership and decision-making processes.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Mukono and Chairperson of the Mukono District Women’s League, Ms. Esther Nakyazze Baroma, praised government programs such as PDM, UWEP, and the Youth Livelihood Programme for creating economic opportunities for women.
She urged women to work closely with Community Development Officers at sub-county level to form groups that can benefit from the available empowerment programs.
Ms. Esther also challenged women to embrace skills development and change their mindset towards wealth creation, noting that women have the potential to transform their families and communities economically.
She further raised concern over injustices faced by women, especially widows, including land grabbing and unlawful eviction from family property.
Mukono District Councilor representing Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council and Secretary for Gender and Health, Hon. Martha Nassazzi, encouraged women to remain hardworking, make proper use of available opportunities, and raise disciplined children with strong moral values.
The Chairperson of the Buganda Women’s League, Ms. Nasuuna Juliet, revealed that every district had been directed to establish women’s SACCOs to promote financial inclusion and self-reliance among women.
She disclosed that more than UGX 500 million had already been mobilized through different SACCOs to support women-led development initiatives.
Former Mukono Municipality MP aspirant Dr. Daisy Sarah Ssonko highlighted the importance of women’s participation in leadership and access to justice, reminding participants that the Ministry of Gender has departments dedicated to women’s affairs and empowerment.
She emphasized the critical role women play in shaping future generations through proper parenting and moral guidance.
The guest of honor, Ms. Norah Akwi, called upon women to work together, engage in business, politics, and other income-generating ventures as a pathway to economic independence and community development.
In a gesture aimed at supporting women’s economic empowerment, Ms. Akwi donated UGX 2 million to the Mukono District Women’s SACCO.
Leaders at the event unanimously stressed that empowering women with knowledge, financial opportunities, and leadership skills is essential for sustainable development and social transformation.
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