Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, the newly sworn-in Kayunga District Women Council Chairperson, has praised President Yoweri Museveni for his role in empowering women. At her swearing-in ceremony, Kibowa highlighted the significant transformation of the National Women’s Council during her tenure as National Chairperson from 2018. She credited the President’s intervention for the substantial increase in the council’s annual budget from Shs800 million to Shs9.4 billion. This growth enabled the council to establish a well-equipped national secretariat.
Kibowa’s leadership at the National Women’s Council was marked by notable achievements. She made the council more visible and relevant by ensuring consistent mandated sittings at both national and district levels. Under her leadership, the council never missed celebrating International Women’s Day, often marked by donations and support to vulnerable women and girls. These efforts contributed to the council’s increased relevance and impact.
During her term, Kibowa successfully pushed for changes to the council’s office term, changing it from four to five years to match other political offices in the country. This change aimed to provide stability and continuity in the council’s operations. Additionally, she observed that Women’s Council leaders at both national and district levels were predominantly NRM members who played an active role in mobilizing support for President Museveni during the 2026–2031 term.
Kibowa’s legacy at the National Women’s Council includes her efforts to promote women’s empowerment and rights. Although she did not secure a second term at the national level, she expressed pride in the foundation she left and confidence that Kayunga District remained under NRM control. She called on women leaders in Kayunga district to work together to protect and promote the rights and welfare of women and girls.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Kayunga District Council Hall, saw Kibowa take the oath of office along with the new district executive committee and subcounty women council chairpersons. Kayunga Magistrate Hassan Masaba Butoto presided over the ceremony. The event marked a new chapter in Kibowa’s leadership career as she assumed her new role at the district level.
Kibowa’s transition from the national to the district level is seen as a significant development in Uganda’s women’s leadership landscape. Her experience and achievements at the National Women’s Council are expected to inform her work at the district level. As she begins her new role, Kibowa is expected to apply her expertise to address the specific needs and challenges of women in Kayunga district.
The Kayunga District Women Council Chairperson’s role is critical in promoting women’s empowerment and rights at the grassroots level. With Kibowa at the helm, the council is expected to prioritize initiatives that support vulnerable women and girls, promote gender equality, and foster economic empowerment. Her leadership is anticipated to have a positive impact on the lives of women in Kayunga district.
Key points
- Faridah Kibowa credits President Yoweri Museveni for his role in empowering women through the National Women’s Council.
- Kibowa’s leadership at the National Women’s Council resulted in a significant increase in the council’s annual budget and the establishment of a well-equipped national secretariat.
- She aims to apply her expertise to address the specific needs and challenges of women in Kayunga district.
