Namuganza a no-show at Jinja Women’s Day celebrations

All local radio stations in Jinja were among the modes of mobilising the public to turn up for the celebrations to mark the belated International Women’s Day on top of announcing the guest of honour.

Organised by Jinja City Council's community development office, the function, which had a slightly higher turn-up compared to that of last year, took place at Kakindu Stadium on Wednesday (March 15).

Nandinda (right) flanked by Division Councilors during the belated Women's Day celebrations in Jinja City On Wednesday.

After marching to the brass band on different streets, authorities also improvised a public address system which kept traversing various streets reminding the residents of the ongoing event which was slated to be presided over by housing state minister Persis Namuganza.

According to the programme, Namuganza, also the Bukono County legislator in Namutumba district, was expected to arrive at 9:30am before the function would officially kick off at 10:00am. Therefore, in order to pass time, the master of ceremonies kept inviting schools and local singers to entertain the audience.

54-year-old Robinah Babirye of PEFO Uganda singing a song on educating a girl child at the event.

However, three hours later, some women got concerned wondering when the function would begin forcing officials to quickly solicit a chief guest among the women leaders present.

Officials settled for Busoga kingdom minister for foreign affairs Joan Machora Kito.

Jinja city Principal community development officer Geoffrey Muzusa said: “Namuganza wanted an official invitation, which we sent, but this didn’t necessarily mean that it came from our department or JCC, these were efforts of top city's National Resistance Movement party women league during the preparatory meetings,” he said.

Betty Nandase, 64, (right) and others as they sounded drums at the belated Women's Day in Jinja city on Wednesday.

Inquiry about mobilisation

However, in a twist of events, Muzusa explained how he on Tuesday received a call from an official in Namutumba district inquiring how they had gone with the arrangements in terms of mobilisation.

“The official told me that politicians don’t want public functions with low numbers and I was told he was at Kakindu yesterday, he might have briefed the minister,” Musuza said.

The women wondered why Namuganza did not even delegate someone for the function.

Despite her disappointment, the women praised President Yoweri Museveni for not assenting to Namuganza’s censure by Parliament over misconduct.

Machora rallies Busoga leaders

Machora said it was unfortunate for the Busoga legislators to also betray their own.

“Let our MPs desist from envy and infights because this has also left their communities divided, we need unity,” she said.