University female students train in civic participation and leadership

By Agnes Kyotalengerire

KAMPALA - A program has been launched to encourage women participation in leadership and electoral processes.

A total of 33 female students from Mutesa I Royal University in Mengo Kampala have attained training in leadership skills, civic education and voter registration.

 “I have learnt a lot about leadership and why I need to participate in the electoral process,” said Annet Nanyanzi, 26, a second year student at the university.                                                    

“I can now take informed decisions compared to the past when I had fear and was not confident.”

The one-day training organised by Century Entrepreneurship Development Agency (CEDA) International and United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) on Friday was part of the launch of the “Strengthening Young Women’s Civic Participation and Leadership project”.

The training attracted lecturers from the university and student leaders.

‘They lack information’

Speaking during the launch at Mutesa I Royal University in Mengo Kampala, Hajjat Rehmah Kasule – the brainchild of the project – said the 18-month project is targeted to benefit 1,500 young university women aged 18 to 25.

The initiative will focus on strengthening the role of young women in civic and democratic participation in Uganda.

“We realized young women do not participate in the general voting processes and leadership activities because they lack the information about civic education, have low leadership skill capacities and lack networkers and mentors to support them,” she pointed out.
 

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Daisy Namukwaya, a student at Mutesa I Royal university mingles with Rehmah Kasule (L) during the training. (Credit: Agnes Kyotalengerire)

The training, she explained, is geared towards equipping young university female students with leadership skills, giving them information about voting, democracy and enlightening them about their rights so to increase their participation in the forthcoming 2016 general elections as voters, educators and supporters.

The project will also create supportive networks to enable young women articulate life issues.

Shamin Nabbbale, the program manager at CEDA International said the same project will be replicated in other ten universities across the country.

The universities include: Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kampala University, Kampala International University, Islamic University in Uganda, Kyambogo, Nkumba, Mukono, Gulu, Ndeje and Buganda Royal.

As part of the training program, the universities will hold debates competitions and community dialogues.

The students will also interact with motivational speakers – discussing matters that affect their women leaders, hence making it a solution-based dialogue.

They will also have an exposure visit to the parliaments of Uganda and Rwanda and get firsthand experience on what it takes to be a leader.