The vibrant celebration of Buganda Women’s Day in Bulemeezi, Nakaseke District, was marked by powerful calls for cultural preservation and women’s empowerment, with Hon. Minister Alice Kaboyo of the Luwero Triangle taking center stage. The event, held under the theme of Wakyaato, brought together hundreds of women, community leaders, and government officials to celebrate the role of women in society and discuss ways to foster development.

Minister Kaboyo delivered a passionate speech emphasizing the importance of upholding cultural values in the face of modern challenges. She reflected on a time when respect for elders and moral conduct were deeply ingrained in society. “In our days, we respected our elders. We did not use obscene language to abuse people, and we maintained our cultural values by being obedient to our parents and leaders,” she said. “But today, young people on social media insult not only the Kabaka (the King of Buganda) and their parents but also those in authority, especially political leaders. This lack of moral values is worrying.”

The minister called on parents to take an active role in guiding the younger generation. She urged them to revive cultural teachings that instill respect and discipline in children. “Social media should be a tool for economic and social progress, not a platform for insults,” she emphasized. “We must teach our children how to speak and conduct themselves properly, showing respect to elders and leaders.”

Beyond cultural preservation, Minister Kaboyo highlighted the success of government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) in transforming communities. She noted that the Luwero Triangle, particularly Nakaseke and Luwero districts, has seen significant benefits from the program, which aims to lift Ugandans out of poverty. “The Parish Development Model is changing lives. Women must take advantage of such opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” she said.

She encouraged women to embrace hard work and self-reliance, stressing that an empowered woman leads to an empowered nation. “Women should not sit at home waiting for their husbands to be the sole breadwinners. The government has provided these programs to ensure no one is left behind. Let us work hard and secure our future,” she added.

Echoing these sentiments, Hon. Mariam Mayanja Nkalubo, Buganda’s Minister of Environment and Social Services, advised women to use social media as a tool for business growth. Instead of spending hours watching dance challenges on TikTok, she urged them to leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote their products and expand their market reach. “Social media can be a powerful tool for growing your business. Learn how to use it to sell your products and connect with customers,” she said.

Minister Nkalubo also emphasized the importance of women supporting each other in business. “When women unite and help one another, businesses grow faster. Let us collaborate, share ideas, and lift each other up,” she said.

The event also marked the official launch of the Tumbula Women Initiatives–Bulemeezi (TWIBU), a transformative movement aimed at empowering women through entrepreneurship, health, education, and advocacy. TWIBU seeks to equip women with skills, financial literacy, and resources to start and sustain businesses while also promoting health education and mental wellness.

A symbolic tree-planting ceremony led by Minister Kaboyo underscored the initiative’s commitment to sustainability and growth. The slogan, “Empowering Women, Enriching Communities,” reflects TWIBU’s mission to create lasting change in Bulemeezi by fostering economic independence and social progress.

TWIBU’s programs extend beyond economic empowerment, focusing on leadership development and community engagement. The initiative encourages women to take active roles in decision-making processes while advocating for policies that promote gender equality. Through awareness campaigns and research, TWIBU aims to address systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress.

The launch of TWIBU was not just a celebration but a call to action for stakeholders, partners, and the community to invest in women’s development. By fostering collaboration, the initiative hopes to create a ripple effect that will strengthen families, uplift communities, and build a more equitable society.

As the event concluded, the message was clear: cultural values must be preserved, and women must be empowered to drive socio-economic transformation. With leaders like Hon. Alice Kaboyo championing these causes, the future looks promising for the women of Bulemeezi and the wider Luwero Triangle. The Buganda Women’s Day celebration served as a reminder that when women are given the tools and opportunities to succeed, entire communities thrive.

The day’s activities left attendees inspired and motivated, with many women expressing their commitment to taking advantage of the programs and opportunities discussed. As the sun set on the celebrations, the sense of unity and purpose among the women of Bulemeezi was palpable, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in their journey toward empowerment and prosperity.