President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to strive for universal wealth as a means to tackle the various challenges faced by women.
“Attaining wealth collectively is crucial. With wealth distributed among all citizens, we can alleviate the hardships confronting women, such as the practice of bride price,” remarked President Museveni.
He made these statements while presiding over the International Women’s Day 2024 Celebrations at Boma Grounds, Katakwi District. The event’s theme was “Accelerating Gender Equality Through Women’s Economic Empowerment.”
President Museveni emphasized the importance of leveraging available resources, particularly land, for commercial agriculture to uplift families economically. He stressed the need for education and active participation in the economy to achieve socio-economic transformation.
Moreover, President Museveni highlighted success stories in poverty alleviation through initiatives like commercial agriculture in the cattle corridor and the oil palm project in Kalangala.
During the ceremony, President Museveni announced plans to expand the fruit factory in Soroti to support citrus farmers in the Teso region. Additionally, he commended Vice President Jessica Alupo for her efforts in promoting economic development in Teso.
The President signed Memoranda of Understanding aimed at bolstering support for women entrepreneurs under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project. Funds totaling Shs9 billion were disbursed to women in business across four districts.
At the event, notable individuals, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and citizens recognized for their contributions, were awarded medals for their outstanding service to Uganda.
In her address, Vice President Jessica Alupo commended President Museveni’s leadership in promoting women’s empowerment and emphasized the need to continue supporting the government’s efforts towards socio-economic transformation.
Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development Betty Amongi highlighted the government’s affirmative action policies and programs that promote women’s empowerment, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and GROW.
UN Resident Coordinator Susan Namondo Ngongi praised Uganda’s progress in promoting gender equality and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the country’s development efforts.
Austrian Ambassador Katja Yvonne Kerschbaumer applauded President Museveni’s commitment to gender equality and pledged continued support from development partners. She acknowledged existing challenges such as gender gaps in the labor force and gender-based violence, stressing the importance of addressing these issues for inclusive growth.
National Women’s Council-Uganda Chairperson Hajjat Faridah Kibowa expressed gratitude to President Museveni for championing women’s empowerment and highlighted the council’s role in producing capable women leaders.
Despite celebrating 30 years of existence, Hajjat Kibowa called for concerted efforts to address gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and members of Parliament, the Diplomatic Corps, and religious and traditional leaders.