KAMPALA – Female MPs in Uganda have called on the government to address challenges affecting women and girls at the grassroots level, as the country prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day.
“As women of Uganda, we have come a long way, we have spaces in different areas and many are in leadership. We must appreciate NRM for accommodating the women the affirmative action of 1.5 points given to the females at Makerere university has lifted up women in many fields and the 35% of women MPs in parliament are achievements worth celebrating,” said Alice Kaboyo, Minister of State for Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle.
Paska Aciro Menya, Pader District woman MP, highlighted the struggles faced by women in accessing loans and credit facilities. “When grow project came, the women were happy to embrace it but got disappointed to learn that the terms and conditions of accessing the loan are harsh. Government should adjust on the terms and Grow should target the women at the grass root,” she said.
Menya also expressed concern over the high school dropout rate of girls in Pader, citing lack of access to sanitary pads as a major factor. “Several girls are dropping as a result of lack of sanitary pads saying that there is need to waive off taxes on pads so that these girls can afford them,” she said.
Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, woman MP for Gulu City, emphasized the need for increased investment in girls’ education and protection from abuse and exploitation. “We thank government for providing women with economic empowerment programs like PDM, UWEP, Emyooga etc. The constitution is gender sensitive and its true women have been empowered with affirmative action where women have accessed high levels of education,” she said.
Janet Grace Akech Okori-Moe, woman MP for Abim district, also called for greater investment in girls’ education. “Happy women’s day to all the women in Uganda. There is need to invest more in the girl child to enable them thrive,” she said.
Hon. Margaret Rwabushaija, Workers MP, expressed concern over online harassment and abuse, calling on the government to work with schools and law enforcement agencies to protect girls and young women. “Many people have been harassed online. Women and young girls are leaving in fear due to abuse. Government should work with senior teachers in schools to protect the girls in school,” she said.
Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands & Urban Development, emphasized the importance of celebrating women’s achievements. “Saturday is our day to jubilate as women, we will be in Kyankwanzi district greater Mubende. We are grateful to government for empowering women in homes, work and all fields,” she said.
Brenda Nabukenya, Luweero district woman MP, called on the government to protect women’s rights, particularly those of opposition women. “The rights of women especially of the opposition has been abused and the Gender Ministry should talk this problem. There are several women in jail and being women’s day. Women MPs usually organize women’s day celebrations in their districts but they are dispersed unlawfully, this should stop as we celebrate this day,” she said.
Sarah Opendi, Tororo district woman MP, emphasized the need for effective implementation of laws and policies aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. “As parliament, we have tried to provide money to sectors like water, equipping health facilities in a bid to reduce child mortality rate. Close to 86% of health facilities are closer to the people so our people don’t move long distance to access health services,” she said.
International Women’s Day will be celebrated in Kyankwanzi on March 8, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to attend.
