Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi Akena said on Sunday that Uganda’s women’s movement has made remarkable progress over the past four decades, highlighting achievements in grassroots activism, legal reforms, and government programs that have expanded opportunities and access to justice for women and girls.
Amongi made the remarks on Sunday during national celebrations to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The celebrations were held under the national theme “Scaling up investment to accelerate access to justice for women and girls across Uganda,” while the global theme this year is “Giving to Gain.”
Speaking at the event, Amongi said International Women’s Day is an important moment to reflect on the global struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“International Women’s Day is celebrated to remember the struggles of women and men around the world to achieve women’s empowerment,” she said.
Amongi noted that Uganda’s women’s movement has undergone significant transformation since the country first marked International Women’s Day in 1984.
“The women’s agenda in Uganda has travelled a remarkable journey from grassroots activism, when the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1984 at State House, to today, as we mark a 40-year journey of progress,” she said.
According to Amongi, the government—through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development—has implemented a number of strategic programs aimed at improving the welfare, freedom, and socio-economic empowerment of women and girls.
“The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development focuses on key programs that have enabled women and girls to achieve freedom and self-empowerment,” she said.
Amongi emphasized the importance of collaboration across government and development sectors in advancing the women’s agenda.
“We are coordinating efforts with other ministries, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector to achieve the goal of women’s empowerment,” she said.
She also noted that strengthening partnerships remains essential in ensuring greater investment in justice systems and social programs that support women and girls across Uganda.
Amongi highlighted government efforts to ensure gender inclusivity in economic empowerment initiatives.
“We presented to Cabinet the proposal to ensure that the Parish Development Model was gender-responsive by reserving 30% of its funds for women. Cabinet agreed and approved the integration of a 30% quota of all PDM funds to be reserved for women,” she said.
She further pointed to legal reforms aimed at protecting women’s rights, particularly in relation to land ownership and inheritance.
“The Land Act, as amended, safeguards the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities in relation to customary land, while restricting the transfer of land without spousal consent. Today, a man cannot access a bank loan without the consent of his spouse if the land is matrimonial,” she said.
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