Faridah Kibowa Reflects on National Legacy as She Takes Charge of Kayunga Women Council

‎By Denis Mukisa.

Kayunga District Women Council Chairperson Hajjat Faridah Kibowa has described President Yoweri Museveni as a true champion of women’s empowerment after the significant transformation of the National Women’s Council during her tenure.
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‎Addressing leaders at her swearing-in ceremony held at the Kayunga District Council Hall, Kibowa said when she assumed office as National Chairperson in 2018, the council was operating on a meagre annual budget of Shs800 million, which mainly covered salaries and basic administrative costs. Through persistent lobbying and the President’s personal intervention, the budget rose to Shs9.4 billion.
‎She also successfully pushed for the establishment of a well equipped national secretariat, ending years of office challenges that had frustrated previous leaders.
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‎Kibowa said one of her greatest achievements was making the Women’s Council more visible and relevant. Under her leadership, the council consistently held its mandated sittings at both national and district levels and never missed celebrating International Women’s Day. These celebrations were often marked by donations and support to child mothers and other vulnerable women and girls.
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‎During her term, the national council also resolved to change the office term from four to five years so that it matches other political offices in the country.
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‎She observed that Women’s Council leaders at both national and district levels are predominantly NRM members and played an active role in mobilising support for President Museveni during the campaigns for the 2026–2031 term.
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‎Although she did not secure a second term at the national level, Kibowa said she was proud of the foundation she left and confident that Kayunga District remained under NRM control. She called on women leaders in Kayunga district and to work together to protect and promote the rights and welfare of women and girls.
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‎Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, the new district executive committee, and all subcounty women council chairpersons took the oath of office before Kayunga Magistrate Hassan Masaba Butoto at the Kayunga District Council Hall.