By Walter Okello
Alebtong, Uganda | Alebtong District Woman MP-elect Dr. Mercy Lakisa has warned officials collecting bribes from women groups seeking to benefit from government poverty alleviation programmes.
Dr. Lakisa issued the strong warning during the International Women’s Day celebrations held at Omoro South Primary School on March 31.
She said the Government of Uganda, under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has rolled out several programmes aimed at eradicating poverty, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), OWEP, Emyooga, and the Grow Project, among others.
“I am surprised that government officials responsible for the smooth running of these projects are receiving money from different women groups who want to access these funds, yet the services are supposed to be free without any charge,” Dr. Lakisa stated.
She described the act as illegal and against the will of the NRM government to fight poverty, adding that it is punishable under Ugandan law.
She added that during her campaign rallies, many women were not aware of government programmes like the Grow Project, Emyooga and others, yet these initiatives are key channels to improve the lives of women and increase household income.
Dr. Lakisa emphasised that the NRM government is committed to uplifting the status of women to ensure equal household development through economic empowerment and educating them on their rights and responsibilities.
“Traditional lands should also be divided among family members without bias, thinking that women are married and have no right to family land. Let our women be empowered so that they can stand boldly and speak for themselves when they are being oppressed,” she emphasised.
Athanansi Kalyebara, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Alebtong District, said Women’s Day celebrations play a vital role in empowering women.
“Women’s Day celebrations are very important in empowering women about their rights and responsibilities in household development. We have different non-governmental organisations that fight for the rights of women and against gender-based violence. Bringing them together in this celebration gives them an opportunity to handle matters affecting women,” he said.
Kalyebara expressed optimism that lessons learnt through drama, songs, and discussions during the event would bring significant positive change to women in the district.
Lucy Anyango, Project Officer for the Indigenous Project under the Foundation for Integrated Rural Development (FIRD), noted that their efforts have empowered many women in Alebtong.
“Because of our effort in Alebtong District, many women are empowered. This gives us mileage as FIRD and makes us believe that our efforts in changing the lives of communities are not in vain,” she said.
Anyango added that FIRD will now focus more on the economic empowerment of women and continue advocating for the rights of young mothers and girls.
Meanwhile, the Headteacher of Omoro South Primary School revealed that government empowerment programmes have greatly improved girls’ education in the school.
“Through government empowerment, education among young girls has improved in our school. Currently, we have a population of 1,599 pupils, with girls taking the highest number of 809 girls and 790 boys,” he reported.