The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon Anita Annet Among, has called for stronger investment in women and girls’ empowerment, highlighting progress in maternal health, education and financial inclusion on Friday during a breakfast meeting to mark International Women’s Day 2026 at Parliament.
Among emphasized that reducing maternal mortality remains a national priority. She revealed that maternal deaths have declined from 336 per 100,000 live births in 2016 to about 170 currently, and urged further collective action to reduce the rate below 100 in the medium term and below 50 within five years.
The Speaker also called for urgent measures to improve menstrual hygiene management for schoolgirls across Uganda, noting that over 1.2 million girls aged 12–18 face challenges accessing sanitary products, water, and private sanitation facilities.
She urged the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to consider tax incentives for local manufacturers of reusable sanitary pads to boost production, reduce costs, and improve access.
The initiative, she said, would help reduce school absenteeism and improve dignity and health outcomes for girls nationwide.
Highlighting government-led empowerment initiatives, she commended the administration of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for implementing education reforms such as Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE), as well as skills development programs through vocational training hubs.
She also praised financial inclusion programs including Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), saying Parliament would advocate for stronger women-focused quotas during budget allocations to ensure equitable development.
Among the key messages of the event was the call for unity among women leaders in the incoming 12th Parliament, whom the Speaker urged to integrate gender-sensitive considerations when debating legislation, national budgets, and development priorities.
She also announced plans to make the International Women’s Day breakfast meeting an annual fixture on the Parliamentary calendar, reinforcing Parliament’s commitment to gender-responsive governance.
The Speaker further invited the public to join the national International Women’s Day celebrations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on March 8, 2026, as Uganda continues efforts toward inclusive and equitable development.
