On International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on 8 March every year, Yosweri Museveni, President of Uganda, affirmed his commitment to empower women in the work place and in the domestic sphere. At an International Women’s Day celebration in Mityana District, in the Central Region of Uganda, President Museveni outlined the action taken by government to promote women in the civil service, including the army, police and in Parliament. Government is also currently developing legislation to promote the rights of women in the home.
During the event the President, in the presence of UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, launched the Presidential Fast-Track Situation Room, a data visualisation platform which draws from multiple sources to provide real-time data for monitoring the implementation of the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative to End AIDS in Uganda by 2030. The initiative is a multi-sectoral effort to consolidate progress on key areas of HIV prevention revitalize HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
In a special ceremony, the President awarded Mr Sidibé the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa, the highest civilian award of the Ugandan Honours System, in recognition of Mr Sidibé’s contribution to the global AIDS response and his continued support to the Government of Uganda and its partners.
“Women are the foundation of our society. We must empower women. If girls and young women are not empowered they will remain vulnerable to HIV infection and violence. Uganda has taken steps to ensure this happens in the work place and the home.”
Yoweri Museveni President of Uganda
“I am pleased to celebrate International Women’s Day in Mityana District as a guest of President Museveni. His focus on transferring competencies, building a knowledge economy and education is empowering women and girls across Uganda.”
Michel Sidibé Executive Director of UNAIDS
