NICHOLAS A
Former Principal Inspector of Schools in Rukungiri District, Ms Lydia Tushemereirwe, has urged young Ugandans to prioritise discipline and concentrate on their studies, noting that the government has put in place several initiatives aimed at empowering the girl child.
Tushemereirwe made the remarks while addressing the community of St. Raphael Secondary School Nyakanyinya in Ruhinda Sub County, Rukungiri District, during the school’s celebrations to mark International Women’s Day held on March 8, 2026.
The school joined the rest of the country in commemorating the day under the theme: “Scaling up investment to accelerate justice to success for all girls and women in Uganda.”
In her address, Tushemereirwe said the Government of Uganda has taken significant steps to address gender imbalances, especially by promoting girl-child education. She therefore encouraged young girls to remain disciplined and work hard in their academic pursuits.
She also urged learners to embrace a culture of hard work, noting that the high poverty levels in the country can only be overcome through dedication, financial discipline, and education.
Meanwhile, a section of female students at the school expressed gratitude to the government for its continued efforts to empower women and promote girl-child education.
The students noted that compared to previous years, girls now have greater opportunities to study and actively contribute to national development by participating in fields that were previously dominated by men.
They further highlighted milestones in women’s leadership in Uganda, citing the appointment of Specioza Wandira Kazibwe as Uganda’s first female Vice President in 2001 and Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who served as Speaker of Parliament from 2011 to 2021.
The students also pointed to the current national leadership, noting that Jessica Alupo serves as the Vice President, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja as the Prime Minister, and Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among as the Speaker of Parliament, which they said reflects progress in achieving gender balance in leadership.
The head teacher of St. Raphael Secondary School Nyakanyinya, Bekunda Johns, said the school finds it important to celebrate International Women’s Day since the majority of its students and staff members are female.
He noted that the school has played a key role in promoting girl-child education and has produced many responsible citizens who are now serving the country as lawyers, teachers, doctors, and professionals in other fields.
Uganda first celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 1984, at State House Entebbe, officiated by the then First Lady Miriam Obote. The event aimed at recognizing the contributions of women and integrating Uganda into the global women’s movement. Since then, the day has been commemorated annually with a focus on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
