The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Deputy Secretary General, Rose Namayanja Nsereko, has publicly commended President Yoweri Museveni for his decades-long commitment to advancing women’s rights and opportunities in Uganda. Speaking during belated International Women’s Day celebrations at Semuto Primary School playgrounds in Nakaseke District, Namayanja highlighted the transformative policies implemented under Museveni’s leadership that have reshaped gender equality in the country.

“Under President Museveni’s leadership, Uganda became the first country to reserve seats for women in Parliament, amplifying our voices,” Namayanja told the gathering. She emphasized that this groundbreaking decision marked a turning point for women’s political participation in Africa. The NRM official credited these advancements to deliberate policy choices by the government, including the landmark Local Government Act which mandates that women occupy at least one-third of leadership positions at local levels.

Namayanja explained that these institutional frameworks have created unprecedented opportunities for Ugandan women to participate in governance and decision-making processes. Beyond political representation, she noted the government’s inclusive policies that ensure representation for youth, persons with disabilities, and the elderly in various sectors of public life.

Aligning with this year’s national Women’s Day theme, “Accelerated Action for Gender Equality,” Namayanja urged women to actively engage with government wealth creation programs. She specifically highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the GROW project as critical initiatives women should utilize to improve their economic status. The NRM leader praised Nakaseke women who have already benefited from these programs, assuring them of continued government support to expand such opportunities.

Nakaseke District Woman MP, Hon. Sarah Najjuma, reinforced these messages during the celebrations. She encouraged women to pursue all forms of legitimate income-generating activities without hesitation. “No job that earns should be underestimated,” Najjuma stated, emphasizing the importance of financial independence for women. The MP also called on women to demonstrate their appreciation for these empowerment initiatives by supporting President Museveni and NRM candidates in upcoming elections.

The event also heard from Nakaseke LCV District Chairman, Mr. Ignatius Koomu, who broadened the discussion on gender equality. While stressing the crucial importance of educating girls, Koomu advocated for balanced investment in raising all children responsibly, regardless of gender. His remarks highlighted the need for comprehensive approaches to child development that benefit entire communities.

The celebrations served as both a reflection on progress made and a call to action for further advancements in gender equality. Namayanja pointed to Uganda’s dramatic increase in female literacy rates and women’s growing presence in professional fields as evidence of the NRM government’s successful policies. However, she acknowledged that challenges remain in achieving full gender parity across all sectors of society.

The gathering in Nakaseke brought together hundreds of women from various walks of life, many of whom shared personal testimonies about how government programs have transformed their livelihoods. From small-scale farmers who accessed capital through PDM to businesswomen who expanded their enterprises via Emyooga funds, the stories underscored the tangible impacts of these empowerment initiatives.

As the event concluded, participants expressed renewed commitment to utilizing available opportunities while continuing to advocate for greater gender equality. The overwhelming sentiment among attendees was that while significant progress has been made under Museveni’s leadership, the journey toward full women’s empowerment requires sustained effort from both government and citizens.

The Nakaseke celebrations added to nationwide Women’s Day observances that have become important platforms for assessing Uganda’s gender equality landscape. With women now occupying key positions in Parliament, the judiciary, and various economic sectors, the country serves as a regional model for women’s advancement. However, as leaders like Namayanja and Najjuma emphasized, realizing the full potential of Uganda’s female population demands continued policy innovation and grassroots participation in development programs.

The event’s location in Nakaseke held particular significance, as the district has been a testing ground for several NRM empowerment initiatives. Local women leaders reported measurable improvements in household incomes and educational attainment since the implementation of targeted programs. These successes, they argued, validate the government’s approach to women’s empowerment through both political representation and economic inclusion.

As Uganda moves forward, the challenge remains to build on these foundations while addressing persistent gaps in areas like access to capital, protection from gender-based violence, and equal opportunities in the private sector. The Nakaseke gathering demonstrated that with sustained commitment from leadership and active participation from women themselves, Uganda’s journey toward full gender equality continues to move in the right direction.

The belated International Women’s Day celebrations ultimately served as both a tribute to progress made and a rallying cry for the work still ahead. With women constituting a growing force in Uganda’s political and economic spheres, their full empowerment remains essential to the nation’s continued development and prosperity.