Kadaga becomes 1st woman Speaker in Uganda

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Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga was on 19th May 2011, elected the Speaker of the 9th Parliament after receiving 302 votes defeating Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi who scored 57 votes. Witnessing this historical moment were representatives from Forum for Women in Democracy, and other women activists.

On announcing her as winner, the women’s activists were seen hugging and shaking hands, a sign that this is not only a victory for Hon. Kadaga but for all the women of Uganda regardless of political affiliation, religion, class.  “This is a historic moment for the women of Uganda. Hon. Kadaga has broken the barriers to women’s participation in leadership and her victory is an indication of the trust that the Members of Parliament have in her capabilities and competencies.  We are glad to have been a part of this historic moment, we now have a woman occupying the 3rd most important office in Uganda” stated Patricia Munabi Babiiha. 

Hon. Kadaga, a re-known women rights activist, is the first woman to occupy the third top ranking office in Uganda joining countries like Rwanda, Botswana, Ghana, Gambia and Tanzania who have had women speakers before. She has overcome the stereotype of the deputizing syndrome that is quite common in Uganda. And of course having her in such a high ranking office is of great significance to Uganda and specifically the women.

With Hon. Kadaga in office, Uganda might achieve the much-desired enhanced integration of critical gender issues into laws, policies, budgets and legislative debates. She is known for her effective leadership in legislative processes and strong advocacy for gender inclusive policies and prorgammes.  Some of Kadaga’s contributions to women’s empowerment include her ardent support for improved gender budgeting in Uganda, her involvement in the National Campaigns on ‘Awareness of Cervical and Breast Cancer’ and ‘End female genital mutilation’. Leader of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians in Africa, Secretary General of East African Women Parliamentarians Association, and current Chair of the Uganda Women Parliamentarians Association.

Our hope is that now that she has been elected Speaker, she will continue steering the gender agenda and that with the objectivity and impartiality she has promised, she will champion development in Uganda as a nation.

By Carol Namagembe, FOWODE Communications Officer

Comments

  1. Kimbowa RichardMay 23, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Kudos for Rebecca!

    She comes in at a time when the country is facing substantive divisions. We hope she can reign in to ensure value for money, secure transparency and promote good governance

    Congratulations

    ReplyDelete
  2. Joyce TamaleMay 23, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    This is a memorable time for all women of Uganda, congratulations to our own Hon Kadaga. We all associate with her achievement and feel proud about it, I have no doubt she will push for our agenda and steer the boat to the right dock.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 24, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    Even if she was a man she had 2 get dat post she hs worked 4 it.tazanya Ezra Agaba

    ReplyDelete

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