Uganda joined the rest of the world on Sunday to celebrate International Women’s Day, with Vice President Jessica Alupo presiding over the national event on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, who was away on regional duties. The celebration attracted leaders, women’s groups, security officials, and members of the public who gathered to recognize the role women continue to play in shaping the country.
The national commemoration was held at the iconic Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, where Uganda reflected on the progress made in advancing women’s rights. This year’s theme, “Scaling up investment to accelerate access to justice for women and girls across Uganda,” focused on strengthening support systems that help women and girls seek justice and protection.
For decades, Uganda has marked International Women’s Day with national events that highlight women’s empowerment, leadership, and development. The annual celebration also serves as a platform for discussing challenges women still face and the need for stronger policies to support equality and opportunity.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the inspection of an all-female parade by Vice President Jessica Alupo. The parade featured women from different branches of the country’s security forces, demonstrating discipline, professionalism, and the increasing role of women in national service.
The formation was commanded by Evelyn Asiimwe, a Lieutenant Colonel who led the parade with confidence and precision. The female officers marched in style while a military band entertained the guests with lively and well-coordinated musical performances.
Celebrations also provided an opportunity to promote women’s economic empowerment. The Vice President toured exhibition stalls set up by women entrepreneurs who displayed a variety of locally made products and innovations, highlighting the creativity and determination of women in business.
Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni was absent from the celebrations after traveling to Arusha in Tanzania for the 25th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community Heads of State. During the meeting, he assumed the rotating chairmanship of the East African Community, taking over leadership of the regional bloc from William Ruto, the President of Kenya.
After assuming the position, Museveni expressed gratitude to the partner states for their trust and emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to drive economic growth across East Africa. Leaders at the summit also approved institutional reforms and confirmed Tanzanian diplomat Stephen Patrick Mbundi as the new Secretary-General of the East African Community, although by Sunday morning there was still no confirmation on whether the Ugandan leader had returned to the country.
