By Wilber Tumutegyereize. Aka. The Duke of Kigezi.
Kampala-Uganda: As International Women’s Day approaches, Hon. Tibulihwa Harriet Ssali Abwooli commends the resilience, courage, and achievements of women across Uganda. Speaking ahead of the celebrations, Harriet urges continued support for women’s empowerment, leadership, and participation in national development, highlighting the vital role women play in communities, particularly in Kakumiro District. She calls on government, institutions, and communities to strengthen opportunities that enable women and girls to thrive.
Harriet, who serves as Special Presidential Assistant on Bunyoro Affairs in the Office of the President, Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Women representative for greater Kibale and CDF Gen. Muhoozi’s diehard, uses this moment to extend her warm wishes to women across Uganda, particularly those in Kakumiro District whose dedication and hard work continue to inspire communities every day.
For Harriet, International Women’s Day represents more than a global celebration. Harriet describes the occasion as a time to recognise the vital contributions women make in shaping families, communities and the nation. She emphasises that women remain the backbone of society and their efforts continue to sustain households, strengthen local economies and drive social transformation.
Across Uganda, women play essential roles as farmers, entrepreneurs, educators, caregivers and leaders. Harriet notes that in many communities, particularly rural districts such as Kakumiro, women are the primary producers who contribute significantly to agriculture and food security. She believes that recognising these contributions is essential for building a stronger and more inclusive society.
Harriet consistently highlights that the dedication and resilience demonstrated by women deserve recognition not only during International Women’s Day but throughout the year. According to her, women’s daily efforts form the foundation upon which families and communities thrive.
Advocacy for Women’s Empowerment
Through her leadership and public service, Harriet continues to advocate strongly for women’s empowerment and participation in national development. Her role as Special Presidential Assistant on Bunyoro Affairs places her at the centre of initiatives that promote community development and inclusive growth.
She believes that empowering women economically and socially creates long-term benefits for families and communities. She often emphasises that when women gain access to opportunities, resources and leadership roles, the impact extends beyond individual success.
For Harriet, empowering women means empowering entire communities. Families become stronger, children gain better access to education and health services, and communities experience sustainable development.
Women as Drivers of Uganda’s Economy
Harriet points out that women remain at the heart of Uganda’s economic activity, especially within the agricultural sector. In districts like Kakumiro, women cultivate crops, manage family farms, raise livestock and operate small businesses that sustain household incomes.
She frequently praises the resilience of women who balance economic responsibilities with their roles as caregivers and community leaders.
According to Harriet, supporting women through training programmes, financial initiatives and community development projects strengthens the economic foundation of the country.
This vision reflects the widely recognised principle that Empower a woman, empower a nation.
Recognising Government Support
Harriet also acknowledges the efforts of the government in promoting women’s empowerment across Uganda. Under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement, several programmes support women’s economic participation, leadership development and access to opportunities.
She commends these initiatives for recognising women as key contributors to the country’s progress. Harriet notes that such programmes demonstrate the government’s commitment to amplifying women’s roles in shaping the nation’s future.
She also emphasises that continued collaboration between government institutions, community leaders and development organisations is essential for ensuring that women benefit fully from empowerment initiatives.
Harriet and the Importance of Women’s Leadership
Harriet’s own leadership journey reflects the growing influence of women in Uganda’s public life. As a former Woman Member of Parliament aspirant for Kakumiro District and Coordinator of the NRM/PLU Women’s League in Greater Kibaale, Harriet remains deeply involved in mobilising women and encouraging their participation in governance.
She believes that women’s representation in leadership strengthens democratic processes and promotes inclusive decision-making.
Harriet encourages more women to engage actively in politics, community leadership and development programmes. Harriet maintains that when women participate in leadership, they bring perspectives that help address the real needs of families and communities.
Through her work, Harriet continues to inspire women across Kakumiro District and the wider Bunyoro region to take on leadership roles and contribute to the transformation of their communities.
Celebrating the Women of Kakumiro
Harriet expresses particular appreciation for the women of Kakumiro District, whose resilience and determination continue to shape the region’s development.
In many villages and communities, women lead savings groups, agricultural cooperatives and small-scale businesses that support household livelihoods.
She often describes the women of Kakumiro as symbols of strength, perseverance and unity and believes that their contributions demonstrate the immense potential that exists when women receive support and opportunities to grow.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Harriet also places strong emphasis on the importance of empowering young girls and nurturing future women leaders.
She believes that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming the lives of girls and women. By encouraging girls to remain in school and pursue leadership opportunities, Harriet works to ensure that the next generation of women can contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development and emphasises that young girls need role models who demonstrate that leadership, innovation and success are achievable.
When girls see women like Harriet serving in public leadership roles, they gain confidence in their own abilities and begin to envision broader possibilities for their future.
A Call to Action
While International Women’s Day celebrates achievements, Harriet reminds communities that the day also serves as a call to action.
Harriet encourages individuals, leaders and institutions to continue supporting women’s empowerment initiatives and creating environments where women and girls can thrive.
According to Harriet, gender equality is not only a matter of justice but also a pathway to sustainable development.
She believes that when societies invest in women’s empowerment, they unlock innovation, economic growth and social progress.
As Uganda joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day, Hon. Tibulihwa Harriet Ssali Abwooli continues to champion the recognition and empowerment of women.
Harriet’s message highlights the strength, courage and dedication of women across the country, particularly the women of Kakumiro District who continue to play a vital role in community development.
Through her leadership, Harriet remains committed to promoting opportunities for women, encouraging girls to pursue their dreams and supporting initiatives that strengthen families and communities.
As She reminds the nation, empowering women is not only about recognising their achievements—it is about building a stronger, more prosperous and more inclusive Uganda for generations to come.
