Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah has lauded the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for empowering women both politically and economically.
“As women we have to thank President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM government that has empowered us on all fronts. We have affirmative programmes aimed at empowering us women right from university to the real world,” said Nabbanja.
The Premier made the remarks on Saturday while presiding over the belated Women’s Day celebrations for Kakumiro District held at St. Albert SS grounds in Kakindo Town Council Kakumiro District.
Nabbanja said that for every government intervention, women are offered special consideration to ensure that they are not left behind, giving an example of the recently introduced Parish Development Model (PDM) where women have 30% set aside for them on top of the other categories of youths and elderly where women can also benefit.
She said that with support from the World Bank, government has introduced the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project program that aims to support women entrepreneurs transition from micro to small and from small to medium enterprises in line with the Governments NDP III goal that explicitly calls for “promoting women’s economic empowerment, leadership and participation in decision making through investment in entrepreneurship programs and business centers”.
Nabbanja encouraged fellow women to start with what they have and engage in high value crops because land is increasingly becoming scarce while the population is increasing spontaneously.
The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without portfolio, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadaama asked women to adopt modern farming methods and also apply fertilizers to increase production and productivity.
Nakadaama challenged women to take children to schools within their means so that they address the school dropouts in the country.
“Don’t allow your children to get married at an early age because it is dangerous to their health and affects them and their families. Take children to schools that you can afford instead of unnecessary competition with other people,” said Nakadaama.
She said that when you educate a girl child you will have educated the nation and therefore girls should be encouraged to enroll and remain in school.
The state minister for Luwero-Rwenzori, Hon. Alice Kaboyo appealed to the people of Bunyoro to support the NRM government because of the socio-economic transformation in the region.
Kaboyo appealed to the people in Kakumiro District to support the Prime Minister to enable her to serve the country.
Jenifer Namuyangu, the state minister for Bunyoro Affairs, challenged the people in Bunyoro to make use of the numerous infrastructure developments in the region to increase household incomes.
“The NRM government has built an international Airport in Hoima, a world class stadium and many roads have been upgraded. So the onus is on you to make use of these facilities to increase your household incomes,” said Namuyangu.
Minister of State for Environment Beatrice Anywar commended the Prime Minister for not shaming women when she was appointed the first female Prime Minister in Uganda.
“We are proud of you as women and you have not ashamed us as women,” said Anywar.
Fred Byamukama, the state minister for Transport, asked men to stop the habit of marrying many women and end up producing children they cannot cater for.
“As we celebrate the belated Women’s Day for Kakumiro, as men we have to be responsible and marry women we can afford to look after and produce children whom we can support for a good life. Don’t just marry for the sake,” said Byamukama.
Grace Mary Mugasa, the state minister for Public Service, called upon women to remain relevant by fighting for their space in society.
Alone Turahi, the Isingiro District LC V Chairperson told women that Uganda is one of the countries in the world that has empowered women that has led to the transformation of society.
Turahi assured women that one can be from a humble background but become a useful citizen in future.
During the celebrations the public was offered free treatment services for cancer, immunization, test and treat for all ailments and in addition over 760 units of blood were collected.
Several dignitaries including Ministers of State Aisha Sekindi for water, Pheona Nyamutoro for Minerals, Members of Parliament, NRM bigwigs, investors and well-wishers graced the function that lasted for two days.