First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, hosted a luncheon at Serena Hotel Gardens to honor the visiting spouses attending the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit (NAM). The theme, ‘Empowering women and girls as a vehicle to National Transformation,’ set the tone for the day’s celebration of the remarkable contributions of first ladies from various countries.
The event, which commenced at 11:00 am, featured an array of invited guests, including distinguished first ladies like Angeline Ndayishimiye from Burundi, Sadia Shahal from Singapore, and Mignon Bowen-Philips from Guyana. Attendees were treated to a sumptuous meal, inspiring speeches, and uplifting music, including performances by the Watoto Children’s choir.
Notable figures from Uganda, including ministers, cooperative executive directors, members of the UN family, lady justices, and religious leaders, graced the occasion. The function commenced with a heartfelt prayer by Dorothy Kisakka, the Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to gather and work together.
Beneath the surface of glamour, the discussions delved into serious issues affecting women and girls across different countries. A short documentary showcased Mrs. Janet Museveni’s humble yet impactful contributions to Uganda’s development, emphasizing her involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS and support for women empowerment.
In her address, Mrs. Janet Museveni expressed gratitude for the prayers she received during her battle with COVID-19. Quoting the late Julius Nyerere, former President of Tanzania, she stressed the internal nature of development, stating that individuals and communities must be motivated to embrace change. She shared her commitment to uplifting people and communities, emphasizing the importance of motivating them to participate in the process of change.
During the luncheon, Mrs. Museveni launched the “We Are Equal” campaign, aimed at closing the gender gap in Africa. She asserted that closing this gap is not an act of charity but an act of justice and common sense that will benefit everyone.
