Uganda’s First Lady, Mrs. Janet Kataaha Museveni, recently hosted a luncheon at the Serena Hotel in Kampala for the spouses of African heads of state and government officials participating in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit on January 19, 2024.
During the luncheon, Mrs. Museveni shared insights into her significant contributions to Uganda’s development, drawing praise from attendees. Ms. Sadia Shahal, wife to Singapore’s second Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude for Mrs. Museveni’s unwavering commitment to advancing her country’s development, particularly in the realm of women’s empowerment.
In her address, Mrs. Museveni emphasized her dedication to uplifting communities and individuals. She recounted the transformative impact of development programs, noting the joy she witnesses in motivated people as they embrace improved methods of farming, household management, childcare, and overall well-being.
Acknowledging the importance of motivation in community engagement, Mrs. Museveni highlighted that successful development hinges on convincing people of the benefits of change. She stressed the necessity of patience, time, and an understanding of human nature in the process of fostering positive transformation.
Simultaneously, Mrs. Museveni inaugurated the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) during the event. Established in 2002, OAFLAD comprises all first ladies in Africa and collaborates with partners and stakeholders to drive positive change across the continent.
Ms. Nardos Berhanu, the executive secretary of OAFLAD, detailed the organization’s mission. OAFLAD focuses on improving the lives of African women and children, promoting gender equity, and fostering social and economic development. Ms. Berhanu highlighted the #WeAreEqual campaign, a continent-wide initiative aimed at urging leaders, global partners, and stakeholders to prioritize women’s rights and gender equity.
The campaign specifically calls for attention to women’s health, access to education for girls, economic empowerment for women, and the eradication of gender-based violence. Ms. Berhanu urged African leaders to dismantle barriers obstructing the progress of women and girls, fostering a more equitable and just society across the continent.
