The Women’s Day celebration in Rukiga District was marked by strong appeals for political restraint and a focus on development, as articulated by several key speakers at the event held on June 8, 2024, at Nyakihanga Playground in Kashekye Parish, Kamwezi Sub-county.
Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, who was the guest of honor, urged the residents to refrain from engaging in early political campaigns and to allow current leaders to complete their mandates. He expressed his concerns over the sight of large gatherings with posters and banners of various candidates, calling for an end to such premature political activities.
“Rukiga’s leaders are among the best and most hardworking. Those who wish to disrupt them with early campaigns should stop,” Oboth-Oboth stated. He emphasized the importance of engaging in politics of interest rather than politics of identity, as per the moral ideology of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He warned that identity politics would be detrimental to the government of Uganda.
Oboth-Oboth also advised the people of Rukiga to resist voting for candidates based solely on financial incentives, urging them instead to consider a candidate’s potential to foster development in the district. “Do not rush to change leaders, as change can bring its own set of problems,” he cautioned.
CUE IN……HON OBOTH OBOTH//ENG//
During the same event, Aisha Sekindi, the State Minister for Water and Environment, highlighted significant projects undertaken by her ministry in Rukiga District. She noted that many areas have benefitted from gravity water systems and emphasized that such large-scale projects require substantial government funding and cannot be completed by individuals.
“These projects can only be maintained by the community, but drilling and construction are managed by the government because they require a lot of money,” Sekindi said.
CUE IN…….HON SEKINDI//RUG//
Rukiga District Woman MP, Kamusiime Caroline Muhwezi, who was also the chief mobilizer for the Women’s Day celebrations, called on women to maintain self-respect and resist political hatred. She attributed leadership to divine providence and thanked President Yoweri K. Museveni for his role in promoting women’s emancipation. She encouraged women to respect their husbands to foster happy and peaceful families.
In a gesture of support for local healthcare, Kamusiime donated four boxes of mama kits and a scanner to Kamwezi Health Centre IV.
CUE IN……….HON KAMUSIIME//RR//
Although International Women’s Day is globally observed on March 8, Rukiga District celebrated it on June 8, 2024, under the theme “Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress.” The event underscored the importance of women’s contributions to society and the need for continued investment in their development to drive progress in the district and beyond.
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