Lira, Uganda – March 14, 2025– The Minister for Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, has urged leaders in the Lango sub-region to take an active role in educating communities about the Parish Development Model (PDM). The call was made during the International Women’s Day celebrations for Lira District, held at Wiodyek Primary School in Wiodyek Sub-County.
Represented by the State Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, Minister Museveni emphasized the importance of the PDM in driving economic transformation and gender equality. She commended women for their resilience and contributions to sustainable development, urging them to take full advantage of government initiatives designed to empower them.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements
In her address, Minister Museveni congratulated Ugandan women for their tireless efforts in promoting gender equality and sustainable development. “Under the NRM Government, women from all walks of life have been given a platform to take charge of their destinies and reach their God-given potential,” she said.
She highlighted the significant progress women have made in accessing resources to support their families, build businesses, and boost agricultural productivity. This marks a stark contrast to the past, when women were often excluded from the money economy due to a lack of collateral and limited access to credit facilities.
Empowering Women Through PDM
Minister Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating gender equality through initiatives like the PDM. She shared heartwarming testimonies from recent PDM tours with His Excellency the President, where women-led SACCOs were transforming households and communities.
“I encourage leaders to ensure that the PDM project is well managed and that resources are taken care of by good stewards,” she said. “This will enable more Ugandans, especially women, to benefit from these empowerment programs.”
A Call for Modernized Agriculture and Education
The Minister also called for the modernization of agriculture to help rural women transition from labor-intensive traditional methods to sustainable practices. She emphasized the need for training and education to help women build a saving culture and maximize returns on their investments.
Local Leaders Champion Women’s Progress
Linda Agness Auma, the Lira District Woman Member of Parliament, urged women to be champions of progress in their homes. “Besides every strong man, there is a strong woman,” she said. Auma also encouraged parents to take daughters who became pregnant early back to school after delivery, emphasizing that they still have a bright future ahead.
Support for Women’s Councils
In a show of support, Minister Museveni pledged UGX 10 million to the women’s councils of Lira District. Christine Akullo, the Lira District Women Council Chairperson, expressed gratitude for the support and thanked Hon. Auma for her efforts in advancing women’s development activities in the region.
A Bright Future for Ugandan Women
As Uganda continues to champion gender equality, the celebrations in Lira District served as a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. With initiatives like the PDM and the unwavering spirit of Ugandan women, the future looks brighter than ever.
