By Our Reporter
Kiruhura: At least 10 ten districts from Western Uganda are to receive Shs1.4 billion for Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP). The benefiting districts include Kamwenge, Kasese, Kiruhura, Lwengo, Ibanda, Kazo, Bushenyi and Mbarara.
During the celebrations to commemorate the International Women’s day, President Museveni signed cheques and gave out support fund to women groups under UWEP.
The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ms Betty Amongi said this year’s theme focuses on how Uganda should address the gender gap in science and technology.
“This starts with a call for education especially for the girl child. Education is the foundation of science and technology. Without a base in Education, we cannot achieve that goal,” Hon. Amongi said.
“Government has come up with several programs to empower women. I think we are making progress, Your Excellency.”
France’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Xavier Sticker lauded Uganda under the able leadership of President Museveni for its strong political will to put women on the equal line with men.
“Uganda has a progressive legal framework that promotes gender equality. You have lived up to empowering and supporting women capacity with equal rights,” Ambassador Sticker said.
Ms. Rose Mungai, a Senior Economist at the World Bank assured President Museveni of the institution’s commitment to support women’s needs and gender equality in Uganda.
To unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs in Uganda, Ms. Mungai revealed that through the Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, World Bank has already set aside over Shs800bn to support a multi-sectoral program of customized services that empower women entrepreneurs and transition their enterprises, from micro to small and, from small to medium, as well as improve their productivity.
The Kiruhura Woman MP, Ms Jovanice Rwenduru said women in Uganda are currently celebrating their achievements because of the good leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government that has been empowering them since coming to power in 1986.
“Your Excellency, we are so proud to note that women today are capable of doing very many things because of you. We are in politics, health, Education and everywhere,” the legislator noted.
Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, who represented the National Women leaders commended President Museveni for being a champion in empowering women in Uganda. She said the President has played an exceptional role towards promoting gender equality through programs such as affirmative action.
