Rukungiri Women Leaders Call for Better Funding for Lower Women Councils During Belated Women’s Day Celebrations.

Rukungiri: Women leaders in Rukungiri District have expressed concern over the lack of government support and facilitation for women councils, especially at the lower levels, from LC1 to LC3.

This was revealed on May 10, during the belated International Women’s Day celebrations held at Bugangari Sub-county Playground. The event was organized by the Rukungiri District Women’s League.

Speaking at the function, the Chairperson of the Women’s League for Rukungiri, Jolly Mashaija; the District Probation Officer, Jennifer Tumusime; Bugangari Sub-county Chief, Emily Ankunda; and District Women’s Representative to Council, Esther Rwamunahe, highlighted the challenges faced by women leaders.

Jolly Mashaija noted that many lower-level women councils are inactive due to a lack of government funding. She said the women leaders at the grassroots level were told that their role is to teach fellow women about income-generating activities, home management, and promoting family unity. However, without support, they have failed to implement these responsibilities.

She described the lower councils as “failures,” saying that many women do not even remember they hold such positions because they have never held a meeting. She urged the government to provide funding and facilities to enable women councils to function effectively.

Mashaija added that even at the district level, the women’s league receives limited funding. She acknowledged that the little they received helped organize the belated celebrations, but much more support is needed to fulfill their duties.

CUE IN……MASHAIJA//RR//ENG

The District Secretary for Education, Commerce, and Tourism Caledonia Bakironda, called on families to take responsibility and work toward reconciliation to end domestic violence. She also emphasized the importance of educating both boys and girls to fight poverty in homes.

The event’s chief guest, Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Katugugu Muhwezi, the Minister for Security and Rujumbura County MP, commended President Yoweri Museveni for promoting women’s empowerment through affirmative action in politics and other sectors.

Gen. Muhwezi praised the integrity and commitment of women in public service and applauded the collaborative efforts of Rukungiri district leaders and civil servants in promoting development.

This year’s Women’s Day was celebrated nationally on March 8th in Kyankwanzi District under the theme “Accelerated Action for Gender Equality”. However, Rukungiri District held their celebration on a later date to recognize the contribution of women to the district’s development.