The government has promised to work with the Buganda Kingdom to empower women for sustainable development through various gender-based programs. This pledge was made by Aggrey Kibinge, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, during the 10th Buganda Women’s Convention at Mengo Palace on May 15, 2024.
While speaking to stakeholders at the event, Dr. Kibinge praised the proposals from different kingdom ministries aimed at promoting development among the citizens. He stated, “We will work together to implement all programs that aim to mobilize the people of Buganda towards social and economic development. The government has many programs that can support this effort.”
Dr. Kibinge highlighted several key programs, including the Parish Development Model, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, youth programs, and the World Bank-funded Grow Programme, among others.
The convention, held under the theme “Empowered Women: The Indispensable Force for Sustainable Development,” emphasized the importance of women in achieving community transformation. This aligns with Buganda Kingdom’s strategic goal to use culture to improve livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
Buganda Kingdom Premier Charles Peter Mayiga, in his closing remarks, encouraged the women of Buganda to be hardworking, creative, tenacious, and transparent. He emphasized that these qualities are essential for achieving sustainable development. “If we want sustainable development, women must be included. Women are very focused, unlike men who can be easily distracted. Therefore, we must ensure that women get equal opportunities,” he said.
Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, the Queen of Buganda, also addressed the convention. She urged women to take advantage of technological advancements in the country to foster their development. However, she also cautioned against the misuse of technology, highlighting that while it is useful, it can be dangerous if used inappropriately.
The Buganda Women’s Convention (Ttabamiruka w’Abakyala mu Buganda) is an annual event organized by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Gender, Environment, Water, and Community Development. It brings together women, male champions, and youth from all 18 counties of Buganda to share knowledge, network, and explore solutions to key issues affecting the kingdom.
Hajjat Mariam Mayanja, the Kingdom’s Minister of Gender, Environment, Water, and Community Development, noted that the convention aims to nurture sustainable development and community well-being. “This event provides a platform for exchanging knowledge, building networks, and exploring innovative solutions to the challenges that shape the future of Buganda,” she said.
Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), also spoke at the convention. He urged women to form and strengthen groups to benefit from government funds. “The organization I work for will ensure that all the money reaches these groups for prosperity. I promise to work with all the kingdom agencies to achieve this,” he said.
Other notable speakers included Dr. Angela Nakafeero, Commissioner for Gender and Women Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Yunia Musaazi Iga, Executive Director of the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET); Hakim Mulema, Client Relations Officer for the GROW project under the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU); and Hajjat Hafsa Nabachwa Seguya, a tax expert at the Uganda Revenue Authority who advised women to register their businesses.
Steven Kaddu Mukasa, Manager of Inspection at the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda, and Gorreti Serunkuma, Manager of Women’s Banking at Stanbic Bank, also discussed issues relevant to the convention’s theme.
The convention was well-attended by various leaders from the kingdom and central government, including women Members of Parliament from Buganda.
