On March 12, 2025, the Emmaus Centre Katikamu in Butanza, Luwero District, became a hub of inspiration as it hosted the Emmaus Women’s Ministry Day. The event, themed “Empowering Women for Holistic Sustainable Development,” brought together women, community leaders, and government officials to celebrate the transformative power of women in Uganda’s progress. Representing Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, the State Minister for the Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, graced the occasion, delivering a powerful message of support and commitment to women’s empowerment.

The Emmaus Women Empowerment Programme, based in Butanza Village, has been a lifeline for many women in Luwero District. Florence Ndoodhe, the Women Coordinator, highlighted the program’s mission to uplift women through vocational training, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion. “Our goal is to provide training in tailoring, poultry farming, plumbing, and welding for 300 women, enabling them to become self-reliant and improve their livelihoods,” she explained. The program targets women who face challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and social marginalization, offering them a chance to break free from these cycles.

Hon. Kaboyo, visibly moved by the Centre’s efforts, praised the Catholic Church and the Emmaus Women’s Centre for their dedication to uplifting women, youth, and the less privileged. “I am truly impressed by the incredible work being done here,” she said. “Their commitment to education, skills training, and spiritual, social, and economic empowerment aligns perfectly with the government’s vision.” To demonstrate her support, she handed over 10 million shillings from the Prime Minister to the Emmaus Women community and pledged an additional 10 million shillings to the Emmaus Centre Sacco to boost their projects.

The impact of the Emmaus Centre on the community is undeniable. The RDC of Luwero District noted that the Centre’s school and health facility have significantly improved access to education and healthcare for the people of Luwero. “Emmaus Centre has had a great impact on this community,” he said. “Through the school and the hospital, children are now able to receive education, and families can access medical care.” He urged the women of Luwero to prioritize education, stating, “In Uganda, our insurance is in educating our children.”

Joseph Aonu Okiror, Co-founder and former Director of Emmaus Centre, shared the Centre’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1991. From supporting Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS to providing vocational training and economic empowerment, the Centre has been a pillar of hope for many. Okiror recalled its role in the government’s behavioral change campaign against HIV/AIDS in the early 1990s, even hosting First Lady Janet Museveni during the initiative. Today, the Centre runs a primary school, a health facility, and agricultural projects such as poultry and piggery farming.

Despite these achievements, Okiror highlighted financial constraints as a major challenge. He called for increased government support to sustain and expand the Centre’s initiatives. “If you had not come, all of us would now be in deep sorrow,” he told Hon. Kaboyo, expressing gratitude for her presence. He emphasized that empowering women is key to Uganda’s development, stating, “Empowering a woman is empowering a nation.”

The event concluded on a hopeful note, with Hon. Kaboyo’s visit symbolizing the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. Her pledge to collaborate with the Emmaus Centre and support its initiatives has ignited a renewed sense of purpose among the women of Butanza Village. The Emmaus Women Empowerment Programme continues to prove that when women are given the tools and opportunities they need, they can transform their lives and their communities.

In the words of Joseph Aonu Okiror, “While men build houses, women make homes.” The Emmaus Women’s Ministry Day was a powerful reminder that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a practical strategy for sustainable development. As the women of Butanza Village rise, they inspire us all to believe in the power of community, resilience, and hope.