Twenty-seven newly elected District Women’s Council leaders have been sworn into office, with a strong call to promote women’s rights, strengthen economic empowerment and ensure women at the grassroots benefit from government development programmes.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the District Headquarters, brought together Women’s Council representatives from across the district’s 720 villages and marked the transition from the outgoing to the incoming district leadership.

The Chairperson of the National Women’s Council, Anna Ruyondo Lumumba Todwong, who officiated at the ceremony, challenged the new leaders to translate their positions into meaningful action by connecting women in their communities to economic opportunities and government development initiatives.

She emphasised that Women’s Council leaders have a responsibility to amplify women’s voices, address poverty and advocate for improved livelihoods, while urging them to put aside political differences and work collectively towards the welfare of women.

“Women Council leaders must become a voice for women in their communities and a bridge to development,” she said, calling for unity and reconciliation among the leaders.

The outgoing District Women’s Council Chairperson, Sherry Kalyebara, acknowledged the challenges her administration had faced, including alleged discrimination and political hostility. She, however, highlighted initiatives undertaken to improve women’s livelihoods and called on the incoming leadership to prioritise cooperation and service delivery.

The newly sworn-in Chairperson, Kudrah Kiyimba, pledged to focus on women’s economic empowerment, children’s welfare and the fight against domestic violence.

Kiyimba called for collective responsibility among council members, noting that improving women’s livelihoods and protecting their rights would require teamwork and a shared commitment to addressing challenges affecting women and children across the district.

The Resident District Commissioner, Justine Mbabazi, urged the leaders to mobilise women to take advantage of government poverty alleviation initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga SACCOs and the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project.

She challenged the council leaders to monitor the implementation of these programmes at the grassroots and ensure that eligible beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable women, are informed about and able to access the available opportunities.

Mbabazi also called on the leaders to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and responsible leadership, cautioning against allowing political differences to undermine community development.

Edward Ssentalo who Represented the District Chairperson, urged the incoming leadership to prioritise initiatives that directly improve household incomes and livelihoods. He also encouraged reconciliation and forgiveness as essential steps towards building a united and effective council.

The swearing-in marks an important step in strengthening grassroots women’s representation and leadership in the District. The new council is expected to enhance coordination among representatives across the district’s 720 villages, promote women’s participation in economic activities, advocate for their rights and support efforts to address domestic violence.

Through stronger grassroots mobilisation and oversight, the leaders are expected to play a vital role in ensuring that women are better positioned to access government development opportunities and contribute to their households and communities.