In a call for greater economic empowerment, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Kataha Museveni, has urged Ugandan women to establish a women-led bank. This initiative aims to further consolidate the economic gains achieved under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
Women’s Bank: A Key to Financial Empowerment
While speaking at the Kololo Independence Grounds during the launch of the “All Women for Museveni” campaign by the NRM Women’s League on Thursday, Mrs. Museveni encouraged women to aim higher by establishing a financial institution focused on their specific needs. She emphasized that a women-led bank would directly serve their financial interests and help sustain the economic progress women have achieved in Uganda.
“I therefore appeal to you to aim higher, consolidate these gains, and start a women’s bank to promote your financial interests,” Mrs. Museveni stated.
Government Programs and Women’s Economic Growth
The First Lady highlighted the success of government initiatives such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and agricultural transformation programs, which have expanded access to finance, markets, and skills development for women. These programs have empowered women to own businesses, lead Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), manage cooperatives, and significantly contribute to household incomes. As a result, many women have seen improvements in both their social and economic status.
Mrs. Museveni emphasized that the creation of a women’s bank would further enhance women’s role in wealth creation. It would also ensure that the economic progress Uganda has seen under the NRM government since 1986 is maintained and strengthened.
A Global Model for Success: Bangladesh’s Grameen Bank
To underline the potential impact of a women’s bank, Mrs. Museveni pointed to Bangladesh’s Grameen Bank as an example of how women-focused financial institutions can play a crucial role in reducing poverty through access to credit. She expressed hope that Uganda would one day implement a similar model that could revolutionize women’s financial empowerment and set a global example.
“I look forward to the day Ugandan women will join hands to implement a similar model that will shock the world and prove that Africa can truly defeat poverty,” she added.
Building Support for Peace and Stability in the Election Year
As Uganda moves toward the 2026 general elections, Mrs. Museveni also called on women to use their influence to promote peace and stability. She stressed that women play a critical role in safeguarding national stability and encouraged them to discourage violence while advocating for peaceful voter participation.
The event, attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and women leaders, served as an opportunity for women to reaffirm their support for President Museveni ahead of the upcoming elections.
Women’s Economic Empowerment as a Key Election Focus
The establishment of a women’s bank emerged as one of the central resolutions of the gathering, further positioning women’s economic empowerment as a key issue in the 2026 election year. Mrs. Museveni’s call highlights the continued importance of empowering women financially and ensuring they are integral players in Uganda’s economic development.
Read Also
The Ham Group of Companies: Uganda’s Industrial Powerhouse
How Buvuma Island’s Electricity Connection Impacts Uganda’s Economy
Understanding Katale Loan Trends in Uganda’s Business Landscape
The proposal for a women-led bank is a significant step forward in strengthening women’s financial independence and fostering a more inclusive economic future for Uganda.
