Dr Patricia Achan, the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), has called for a values-based approach in programmes aimed at empowering women.

Describing values as the bedrock of national development, Achan said, deliberate investment should be made in women’s causes because they play a critical role in shaping the direction of the country.

“Every case of corruption comes out of degeneration in morals and values. Therefore, when women [and men] raise children with good values, they will have a brighter and more fulfilling future because they will value hard work and shun evil practices, which will impact national development positively,” she said, urging Ugandans to invest in proper parenting by dedicating more time to their children.

According to Achan, the economic empowerment of women equally calls for investing in their rights to cause significance in their development.

CSFAAU members in a photo moment after the launch of their association's website

“In a world full of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, there is a need for equitable and inclusive investment in women to enable them to realise meaningful transformation in their lives, families, communities and ultimately, their country. Remember, when you empower a woman, you have empowered a nation,” she said.

Achan made the remarks during an event to celebrate Women’s Day and Commonwealth Day organised by the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Alumni Association of Uganda (CSFAAU) last Saturday at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

The deputy IGG, who was the event’s chief guest, also challenged women to embrace hard work, reliance and teamwork if they are to become exceptionally impactful leaders.

She said there is a need to improve women’s participation by involving them in all critical discussions, for example on climate change, since they are the most affected.

Achan underscored government commitment to women parity through programmes such as PDM, Emyooga and UWEP, but called for more resources if they [women] are to benefit.

“I celebrate the women who have made a positive contribution to society. I implore you to continue working as a team, to support fellow women and to get grounded in values. Remember, if you want to go fast, move alone, but if you want to go far, move as a team,” she said.

The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on the challenges faced by women and girls in underprivileged communities, rural areas and refugee settlements in Uganda.

Solutions were proposed, emphasising the crucial role of both parents (mothers and fathers) in nurturing responsible citizens and addressing societal issues.

The panellists included Susan Opok Tumusiime, the executive director of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE - Uganda), alongside two high-achieving members of CSFAAU - Petua Isabirye and Zaharah Namanda - who are deeply involved in gender equality and girl child empowerment roles in their careers.

Opok said for the country to realise meaningful empowerment of girls and women, each of us ought to make a contribution at home and school.

“This effort requires us to provide every young person with an education, of at least a minimum of O’level. The National Planning Authority actually recommends a minimum of 11 years of education so that children are empowered with sufficient knowledge and skills to make critical decisions,” she said.

Opok also called for more support from the government and other stakeholders towards women empowerment initiatives, noting that as FAWE, they are overwhelmed by the number of needy girls and women that continue to flock to their offices for help.

Isabirye, a commissioner with the Equal Opportunities Commission, saluted all women who have done everything in their means to occupy better spaces in society.

“However, there is a need for synergies from players at all levels and more information sharing on the available opportunities for women to achieve meaningful empowerment,” she said.

The event’s keynote speaker Josephine Olok, an alumna of CSFAAU and founder of FITSPA, delivered hard truths about the plight of women in decision-making roles, albeit detailing the successes of women who have beaten the odds to succeed.

With hearty examples from personal experience and from the lives of other influencers, Olok painted a clear picture of the potential societal advancements achievable through investments in women, especially gender financing for social protection.

“Our world is interconnected, and the challenges we face – climate change, economic disparities and downturns, wars and social injustice – transcend borders and demand collective action. To build a resilient common future, we must embrace a holistic approach that recognises the interdependence of our societies and the link between human wellbeing and the health of our planet,” she said.

Olok challenged Commonwealth scholarship alumni to spread the benefits further by supporting women’s causes.

“Resilience is not merely about withstanding shocks; it is about cultivating the capacity to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the face of adversity. It requires a fundamental shift in our mindset, a commitment to sustainable development, and an unwavering dedication to leaving no one behind,” she said.

Olok said investing and empowering women is not charity or just a moral imperative, but rather a strategic, economic and social necessity.

“When we invest in women, we invest in the resilience and prosperity of our societies. Because when you invest in a woman, she makes sure her children are healthy, go to school and she puts the money back in her community which breaks the cycle of poverty,” she said.

Namanda underscored the vital role women have played in the socio-economic development of nations and expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission in empowering women through education.

Collin Ogara, the CSFAAU president, who moderated the panel discussion, said there is a need to harness the experiences of the already empowered women for a more equitable, suatainable and resilient future.

Ten outstanding female members of CSFAAU were recognised with certificates for their contributions to Uganda's economy.

These included Jane Frances Achan, Catherine Tushabe, Petua Isabirye, Zaharah Namanda, Crystal Rutangye-Bazirake, Josephine Olok, Shubaya Kasule Naggayi and Phiona Kanyorobe.

Kasule, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, called for more effort towards ensuring the mental wellbeing of CSFAAU members, noting that most of them tend to struggle with tendencies of depression when they return to Uganda after their studies in the UK.

CSFAAU reaffirmed its commitment to promoting female leadership and empowerment, marking a significant milestone in its mission.

The event was crowned with the official launch of the CSFAAU website.

Caroline Kiconco, the British Council Programme Manager for Commonwealth Scholarships, said the programme started in 1959, and has registered over 1,800 Ugandan beneficiaries, 57% of these being women.