The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has emphasized the need for Uganda to transition from a traditional village-based economy to a modern society by embracing five key pillars of socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at Bukwiri Church of Uganda Primary School in Kyankwanzi District during the International Women’s Day celebrations, the President identified the pillars as prosperity for all, education for all, skills development, political empowerment, and legislation and symbolism.
President Museveni reflected on his early efforts to recruit women into Uganda’s national struggle, emphasizing that their formal admission into the army only became possible after the National Resistance Movement (NRM) took power in 1986.
He stated, “It was not until 1986, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) took charge, that we were able to formally admit women into the army. This move marked a significant milestone in promoting gender inclusivity within Uganda’s security forces.”
The President underscored the need for inclusive economic growth, urging Ugandans to take advantage of government programs designed to create wealth and employment.
He expressed concern that many Ugandans have not fully embraced initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and criticized leaders who misappropriate public funds meant for development.
“The money is at the parish—use it. The PDM funds are from our budget and are meant for all Ugandans above 18 years who want to engage in wealth creation,” he emphasized.
On education, President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal access, highlighting that quality education equips citizens with the skills necessary for national progress.
He also stressed the importance of vocational training and technical expertise in fostering self-reliance.
The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, commended the government and partners for advancing gender equality.
She outlined key gender-sensitive laws, including the Succession Act (2022 Amendment), which allows women to name daughters as heirs; the Land Act, which recognizes matrimonial property, preventing men from selling family land without their wives’ consent; the Public Finance Management Act, which requires national budgets to be reviewed for gender equity; and the Domestic Violence Act and the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, which strengthen protections against gender-based violence.
Hon. Amongi highlighted Uganda’s progress in appointing women to leadership roles, noting that the Vice President, Prime Minister, and two Deputy Prime Ministers are women.
Additionally, women hold 175 elected parliamentary seats out of 557, with another 14 serving as ex-officio members.
The Swedish Ambassador, H.E. Maria Håkansson, praised Uganda for its advancements in women’s leadership and economic empowerment.
“Uganda is one of the countries in the subregion that other nations are learning from. We commend the government of Uganda for its commitment to advancing gender equality, and we see the progress in increasing women’s representation in leadership,” she said.
She acknowledged the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program, which has promoted financial independence for women, and ongoing government partnerships to combat gender-based violence and promote reproductive health rights.
The celebrations were attended by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni; Vice President, H.E. Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo; First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga; Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Rukia Nakadama; and other senior officials, MPs, military commanders, and religious and cultural leaders.
