By Ronald Alele Ongwech
Amolatar, Uganda | The Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Amolatar, Mr. Obonyo Magwar, has issued a stern warning against individuals exploiting women through fraudulent religious and cultural practices, as the district joined the rest of the country to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 18, 2026.
Addressing residents during the celebrations at the district headquarters, Mr. Magwar delivered a strong message on behalf of the Resident District Commissioner, assuring women of government’s unwavering commitment to their protection and empowerment.
“The promise today is that we shall NOT watch extortion of money from women in the name of scaring religious and cultural practices. Their identity cards and God-given identity shall not be abused in Amolatar as long as the team I serve with is visionary and patriotic as they are currently,” Mr. Magwar declared to rousing applause from the gathering.
The RDC’s representative specifically warned against diversion of funds from government programmes, emphasising that savings and investments under the Parish Development Model (PDM) must not be misappropriated to meet “exorbitant concocted demands of prayer warriors and witch doctors that so far have caused instability and disunity among the traditionally peaceful communities.”
Mr. Magwar commended the district’s full representation at the national celebrations held at Kololo Independence Grounds, describing the turnout as “wonderful.”
He praised all partners working towards affirmative action for women, acknowledging government departments implementing key programmes including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the skilling hubs. Agencies supporting justice and economic development for women also received special mention for their commendable performance.
“Despite challenges, the women are doing good work; we can always improve,” Mr. Magwar noted, while assuring that government remains steadfast in ensuring that the inherent potential in women is fully tapped and historical tendencies of excluding women from the development agenda are completely eradicated.
Speaking on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Deputy RDC assured the women fraternity that the current government and the 2026-2031 term of the NRM Government will continue placing women in highly esteemed positions.
He cited inspiring examples of women excelling in top leadership roles, including the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni; the Vice President; the Prime Minister; and the Speaker of Parliament.
Locally, Mr. Magwar applauded the district’s new Chief Administrative Officer, who he said has within a few months demonstrated that “with teamwork, Amolatar can fly so high.”
The RDC’s representative acknowledged the multifaceted challenges women continue to face, including difficulties in defending their rights, pressure to conform to extreme cultural and religious practices, limited access to technology and capital, and inadequate support for their own education and that of their children.
“With the support of the district administration, the office of the President will lobby and advocate for women to ensure they get what they deserve,” he pledged, while urging women to embrace the law, the fear of God, and personal integrity as pathways to success.
Addressing the younger generation, Mr. Magwar advised youth and school-going children to embrace education and avoid theft and joining undesirable groups.
He reminded them that government has development plans tailored for their benefit through Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), the Youth Livelihood Programme, Technical Education, skills development, and direct financial support through government financial inclusion structures.
These include commercial offices, Micro Finance Institutions, and commercial banks, all d