NUP Commemorates Women’s Day, Calls for a Regime That Upholds Women’s Dignity
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has strongly condemned acts of violence against women by the current government, particularly through its security forces.
The party highlighted incidents where women supporting opposition political parties have been targeted, citing the ongoing Kawempe North by-election campaigns where NUP supporters were assaulted by security personnel.
While International Women’s Day is officially celebrated on March 8th, NUP gathered in Kampala on Tuesday to mark the occasion under the theme "Women Uniting for Action in the Quest for Democratic Progress."
The event brought together NUP members from all regions of Uganda, including Members of Parliament, LC3 leaders, Lord Councilors, and representatives from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), among them Kampala’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Hon. Doreen Nyamjula.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Zahara Luyilika, the KCCA Council Speaker, stated that many women in Uganda are unhappy due to the inequalities perpetuated by the current regime.
However, she expressed gratitude to the NUP president for providing a political platform that amplifies the voices of women who have suffered torture and injustice.
Hon. Betty Nambooze from Mukono criticized the ruling NRM party for centralizing Women’s Day celebrations in a single district each year. She, however, commended NUP’s initiative to commemorate the day in different locations, ensuring wider participation.
Other speakers, such as Hajati Nadia Yusuf Ongoa from Yumbe District, lamented the poor state of education infrastructure in Yumbe and the high levels of ignorance among women in the region.
Addressing the audience, in his remarks, NUP President Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu reiterated his party’s vision of bringing political change and building a new Uganda. He emphasized the immense power and influence of women, stating that all humanity originates from women and that the world itself embodies femininity.
He highlighted the historical strength of women, citing Winnie Mandela’s unwavering fight for South Africa’s freedom even while Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. According to Kyagulanyi, women possess the power to inspire transformation and shape the world for the better.
