By George Bukenya
The First Lady, who doubles as Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Kataha Museveni, has urged women to establish a women-led bank to consolidate gains in economic empowerment achievements under the NRM government.
While addressing women who gathered at Kololo Independence Grounds at the launch of “ All Women for Museveni’’ campaign by the NRM Women’s League, she advised women to aim higher by creating a financial institution that directly serves their interests.
“I appeal to you to set higher goals which will help you consolidate the gains, and start a women’s bank to promote your financial interests,” she urged.
She also said that millions of women have benefited from government programs such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and agricultural transformation initiatives, which have expanded access to finance, markets, and skills development.
Women now own businesses, lead SACCOs, manage cooperatives, and contribute significantly to household incomes, boosting their social and economic status.
Mrs Museveni also emphasized that a women’s bank would strengthen women’s role in wealth creation and help sustain progress since the NRM came to power in 1986.
She cited Bangladesh’s Grameen Bank as an example of how women-focused financial institutions can reduce poverty through creation of access to soft credit.
“I look forward to the day Ugandan women will join hands to implement a similar model that will shock the world and prove that Africa can truly defeat poverty,” she said.
The event was also attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and women leaders from across the country. It also served as a platform for women to reaffirm their support for President Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections.
As the elections approach, Mrs Museveni called on women to use their platforms to promote peace, discourage violence, and encourage voter participation, stressing that women play a critical role in safeguarding national stability.
The proposal to establish a women’s bank emerged as a key resolution of the gathering, positioning women’s economic empowerment as a central focus in the election year.