Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has praised women who pioneered the campaign for gender equality in Uganda. She acknowledged that without their brave contributions, the progress seen today for women in Uganda would not have been possible. Nabbanja highlighted that women are now making significant strides, particularly in government roles.
Currently, women hold three of the most important positions in the Ugandan government: Vice President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament. Nabbanja also pointed out that women are making progress in civil service, with 52% of permanent secretaries being women.
Nabbanja made these remarks on May 8, 2024, while presiding over a dialogue on gender equality at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala. The event, themed “Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality through Women’s Economic Empowerment and Financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” was organized by the Office of the Prime Minister with support from partners, including the German embassy in Uganda.
As Uganda’s first female Prime Minister, appointed by President Yoweri Museveni on June 8, 2021, Nabbanja emphasized the importance of recognizing women who have paved the way for others. She mentioned influential figures such as Winnie Babihunga, Winnie Byanyima, Miria Matembe, Tezira Jamwa, and Salome Mukisa. These women have mentored and inspired others to strive for leadership positions.
Nabbanja announced plans to hold a special gala to honor these women and acknowledge their lifelong dedication to advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality in Uganda.
During the event, Nabbanja also addressed the issue of women undermining each other in leadership positions. She urged women to support one another instead of engaging in unnecessary competition, which hinders the push for gender equality. Nabbanja stressed the importance of helping each other succeed to bridge the gender gap.
Reflecting on her three years as Prime Minister, Nabbanja noted the persistent problem of “pull her down” syndrome among women. She called for an end to this behavior and encouraged women to work together to improve their collective standing. “Instead of pulling me down, help us do better,” she said, urging women to support each other rather than compete destructively.
