Hajat Faridah Kibowa is a familiar name in the Women’s Rights Movement in Uganda. A skilled Mobilizer and lobbyist, Kibowa has been a voice for women at various levels, and seemingly not about to retreat from the front line to represent the interests of Women in decision-making rooms.
Born in Kayunga District, Nazigo Town Council, Faridah has managed to carve out her career as a leader right from early age -contesting as MP Ntenjeru South, served on Women Desk at the NRM secretariat and later as the RDC of Nakawa on appointment by President Yoweri Museveni. In 2018, She was elected National Chairperson of Uganda Women’s Council defeating two strong opponents.
Her role as the Chairperson of the Uganda National Women’s Council places her at the heart of national discussions on women’s issues until the term for the women’s council expired this year, and She is now heading for National Chairperson of NRM Women’s League to serve the NRM women at the topmost level -the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
On Friday, we caught up with Faridah Kibowa at the NRM Electoral Commission offices in Kampala -immediately after she had successfully expressed interest in the CEC position. She spoke about her journey, the obstacles and achievements, and her ambitions now with new and higher goals in sight.
“I am pleased with what I have achieved together with my colleagues but the journey is far from over. I appreciate the support from all my supporters and from my party NRM with our visionary chairman -His Excellency Yoweri Museveni” Faridah Kibowa remarked.
Under her leadership, Faridah Kibowa said the Council has worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of women, advocating for policies that ensure their participation in economic, social, and political life. Kibowa’s work is rooted in the belief that when women are empowered, entire communities benefit.
She made women’s council visible, lobbied for its increased budget, carried out leadership training for women council leaders, organised annual national women council meetings, and initiated institutional support to fund commemoration of district women’s day celebrations.
She has championed the role of women in peacebuilding, health, and education, emphasizing that the development of any nation is incomplete without the full inclusion of its women. Through her initiatives, many women across Uganda have been given a platform to speak, to lead, and to thrive.
She reminisces on the roles when she has been offered platforms to amplify voices and one notable opportunity was in March this year when she was elected to Chair the 2nd Women’s Parliament where she advocated for various issues affecting women. Kibowa’s leadership during this pivotal event reflected the profound impact she has had in the women’s movement. The resolutions presented on that day were a collective effort, born from discussions and deliberations by women leaders from Uganda’s districts.
The delegates also raised the issue of gender-based violence, both in schools and in society at large. They called for stronger enforcement of policies that combat sexual harassment, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse. A demand for better support systems for survivors of gender-based violence was also central to the resolutions.
They urged the government to strengthen mechanisms for reporting abuses and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The theme of accountability ran throughout the session, with a strong emphasis on the need for the government to act decisively to end gender-based violence in all its forms.
Now, Faridah Kibowa says She is ready for the big stage at the NRM CEC “where Women’s interests have been not given the deserved attention yet they are loyal supporters of the ruling party.”
“I officially Expressed My Interest in Serving as the National Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League. I seek to Represent the Voices and Aspirations of Women in the Top Organ of our Party — the Central Executive Committee and I am ready to serve the women of Uganda to the very best of my capabilities” She stated.
We wish Hajat Faridah Kibowa the best of luck!!
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