Hon. Alice Kaboyo Champions Women’s Economic Growth at Emmaus Women’s Ministry Day

By: Jotham Alinaitwe

LUWERO

The Emmaus Women’s Ministry Day, held at Emmaus Centre Katikamu in Butanza, Luwero District, served as a powerful platform to celebrate and promote women’s empowerment as a critical driver of sustainable development. The event, under the theme “Empowering Women for Holistic Sustainable Development,” brought together a host of government officials, religious leaders, and the local community, with Hon. Alice Kaboyo, the State Minister for the Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, representing the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja.

In a demonstration of government commitment to supporting women’s economic growth, Hon. Kaboyo handed over UGX 10 million in cash to support the Emmaus Women Empowerment Programme, with an additional UGX 10 million pledged for the Emmaus Centre SACCO. These funds are set to enhance women’s access to financial resources, which are vital for improving their livelihoods and achieving economic independence.

Hon. Alice Kaboyo Minister of State for Luwero Triangle cutting cake to celebrate Emmaus Women’s Ministry Day in Luwero

During her visit, Hon. Kaboyo toured various transformative initiatives, including poultry farming, tailoring, vocational training, plumbing, welding, and healthcare services. She commended the Centre for its active role in addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by women in Butanza Village and beyond. “I am truly impressed by the incredible work being done by the Catholic Church and the Emmaus Women’s Centre here in Katikamu. Their commitment to uplifting youth, women, and the less privileged through education, skills training, and spiritual, social, and economic empowerment is truly commendable,” she said. “This aligns perfectly with the government’s vision, and I pledge to work with them and support their initiatives. By strengthening such programs, we can inspire neighboring communities to follow suit and create lasting positive change.”

Other prominent leaders also voiced their support for the empowerment of women. Hon. Kirabo Agnes Natongo, Youth MP for Central Uganda, expressed gratitude for Hon. Kaboyo’s participation, acknowledging her efforts to engage directly with the women of Luwero. “I appreciate Hon. Alice Kaboyo for sparing her time amidst her busy schedule to be with Luwero women. My message to women is from Proverbs 14:1 ‘Be wise women so that we can build our nation, and pray for your nation and families,’” she encouraged.

Hon. Rosemary Nyakikongoro, Woman MP for Sheema District, emphasized the importance of women embracing their identity and encouraged them to make meaningful contributions within their families. Meanwhile, the Luwero Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Richard Bwabye Ntulume, took the opportunity to highlight the critical role of education in preventing tragedies. He cited the recent tragic loss of two children who mistook a snake for a catfish due to a lack of education. “When children don’t attend school, families face limited opportunities, while nations suffer from a less skilled workforce and increased social issues like poverty and inequality,” he noted, urging parents to prioritize education for the future of their children.

Joseph Aonu Okiror, the Emmaus Centre Co-founder, expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued commitment to empowering women and called for increased support to grassroots initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods. He emphasized that the Emmaus Centre’s work in areas such as HIV/AIDS prevention, education, vocational training, and small-scale agriculture has significantly impacted the community since its inception in 1991. Despite financial constraints, Okiror remains hopeful and committed to sustaining the Centre’s work, inviting future partnerships. “Empowering a woman is empowering a nation,” he stated.

Florence Ndoodhe, the Women Coordinator, elaborated on the Emmaus Women Empowerment Programme’s objectives, which aim to uplift 300 women, mostly peasant farmers with limited education and economic opportunities, through vocational training and income-generating activities. Ndoodhe highlighted the key challenges these women face, including poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, and underscored the importance of financial inclusion and skill development as tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. “Our vision is to empower women with skills and capacity to drive sustainable development and end poverty one village at a time,” she shared.

The LC1 Chairman, Mr. Kafeero, assured the attendees that security in the area was stable, commending the efforts of the Emmaus Centre in empowering the community. However, he expressed concern over the limited Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, which he stated have been insufficient given the area’s growing population. In response, Hon. Kaboyo acknowledged the challenge, committing to advocate for increased funding for urban parishes, where population growth has outpaced resources, to ensure more equitable development.

The event drew a large crowd, united in their shared commitment to advancing women’s rights and socio-economic well-being. It was more than a celebration; it was a resounding affirmation of the power, resilience, and potential of women when provided with the right resources, opportunities, and support. The Emmaus Women’s Ministry Day served as a reminder of the government’s and community’s collective responsibility to continue driving initiatives that uplift women, thereby ensuring that their contributions to society are valued and recognized in the journey toward sustainable development.

END