President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed his commitment to empowering women in Uganda through education, economic opportunities, and legal protections, speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Friday. The President, represented by Vice President Jessica Alupo, highlighted the progress made since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power in 1986, emphasizing the importance of addressing historical and cultural factors that have marginalized women.
Museveni stated that a key initial step was guaranteeing access to education for all children, particularly girls, through the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (Employ) programs. “When someone is educated, he/she cannot be suppressed,” he said, asserting that education was the “real beginning” of reforms aimed at empowering women. According to Museveni, prior to 1986, women, who comprised over 50 percent of Uganda’s population of 14 million at the time, faced significant barriers to realizing their full potential due to limited access to education, opportunities, and healthcare.
The President detailed how the NRM government introduced policies of “positive discrimination” to increase female representation in leadership positions, including awarding 1.5 extra points to female university applicants and reserving additional parliamentary seats for women. He noted that women have proven to be “better leaders and managers than men” in these roles. Museveni also pointed to the strengthening of legal protections against gender-based violence, with harsher penalties for rape and defilement, as a crucial step in safeguarding women and girls.
Beyond legal and educational reforms, Museveni outlined the government’s efforts to combat harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, early marriage, and wife inheritance. He also emphasized the role of poverty alleviation programs in empowering women, stating that economic independence is essential for protecting women and their children from injustice. “When households get out of poverty through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT, it’s easier to address the remaining challenges faced by women,” he said.
Vice President Alupo used the occasion to launch the 2nd national action plan against gender-based violence (2026-2031), the Uganda gender and quality climate strategy (2026-31), and the national strategy to ending genital mutilation (2026-31). She also congratulated Ugandans on the recent general election results, acknowledging the support extended to President Museveni and the NRM government. Alupo further announced that President Museveni had been elected chair of the East African Community (EAC) while attending a summit in Arusha, Tanzania.
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, underscored the importance of International Women’s Day as a commemoration of the ongoing struggle for women’s empowerment. She emphasized the need for continued action to achieve gender equality and promote economic independence for women. Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, acknowledged that despite progress, gender-based violence remains a significant challenge, with over 50 percent of Ugandan women having experienced physical or economic violence.
Leonard Zulu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, commended Uganda’s strides in promoting women’s participation in governance through affirmative action policies. He stressed that access to justice is not only a legal matter but also a crucial development imperative for peace and stability. Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, Chairperson of the National Women’s Council- Uganda, expressed gratitude for the support women provided to President Museveni in the recent elections, highlighting their active role in nation-building.
During the event, 34 distinguished Ugandans were awarded national medals for their contributions to the country’s development. The ceremony was attended by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, ministers, members of parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, and religious and cultural leaders.
