Published on 07/03/2025
As Uganda joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day tomorrow, Office of the national Chairman (ONC) Manager SPA/PA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye has saluted the resilience of hardworking women who go the extra mile to provide for their families.
In an interview ahead of the Women’s Day celebrations set for Saturday in Kyankwanzi District, Namyalo praised women who have taken on multiple roles, including those traditionally held by men, to ensure their families’ survival.
“I respect, commend and salute all women, especially those who hustle hard to provide for their families. Those who sell tomatoes and other odd jobs to see their children go to school,” Hajjat Namyalo said.
She added, “Taking on the roles previously regarded male jobs, is exceptional. I respect those women. For the men who have neglected their responsibilities, we must recognize and respect the women who have stepped in to fill those gaps.”
When asked to comment on the role President Yoweri Museveni has played to raise the standard of women, Namyalo lauded the strides made under the NRM government in empowering women politically, socially, and economically.
She pointed out that Uganda currently has women occupying key leadership positions, including; Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister and a host of cabinet ministers.
“The government of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has done a lot for women. On this front, he scores highly because now women are empowered,” she said, before adding that the country’s progress in gender equality in governance ranks among the best in the world.
Women in Power and Family Values
Beyond empowerment, Namyalo spoke on the importance of respect within families, drawing an example from Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“Women in power should respect their husbands, regardless of their position. Look at President Samia Suluhu; she accords her husband respect despite holding the highest office in her country,” she stated.
The theme for this year’s celebration is; “Accelerating Action for Gender Equality”.
In 1975, the UN declared an International Women’s Year & recognized March 8th as a day upon which all Member States should recognize and honor women. The IWD was first celebrated in Uganda on 8th March, 1984.
According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, women make up 51.6% of Uganda’s population.
