Thanks, Kazibwe
THE RESIGNATION from the Vice Presidency of Dr Specioza Wandira Kazibwe marks the end of the beginning of a watershed in Ugandan politics
THE RESIGNATION from the Vice Presidency of Dr Specioza Wandira Kazibwe marks the end of the beginning of a watershed in Ugandan politics.
Spe became the first female vice president of Uganda, and she has been the highest-ranking woman politician in Africa. Her appointment to the second most important political office in the land was the icing on the cake of women empowerment in Uganda.
She was the epitome of the woman in politics — women are now represented in substantial numbers at the various tiers of the political establishment, right from the Local Council through Parliament to Cabinet. Women have also, in the last 15 years, scored a lot in education, with enrolment rising right from primary school to university, and in domestic finances as multilateral efforts have availed loan schemes to the previously economically weak fair sex.
Yet many critics think Kazibwe did not use her clout as extensively as she could have for womenfolk. The Domestic Relations Bill, that seeks to liberate the woman at home, has not yet been passed, with all its attendant issues of property rights. Violence against women (of which Kazibwe is a self-confessed victim) is still high.
But then, again, she could never have addressed all the issues and hoped to have overcome them all on her own. Besides, she represented more than just the woman. She has had a colourful, and often controversial career and public life, but so do many others. She has made her contribution, and when she thought it right to leave the stage to other actors, she has drawn the curtain. She has made her mark, and for that we are thankful.
Spe became the first female vice president of Uganda, and she has been the highest-ranking woman politician in Africa. Her appointment to the second most important political office in the land was the icing on the cake of women empowerment in Uganda.
She was the epitome of the woman in politics — women are now represented in substantial numbers at the various tiers of the political establishment, right from the Local Council through Parliament to Cabinet. Women have also, in the last 15 years, scored a lot in education, with enrolment rising right from primary school to university, and in domestic finances as multilateral efforts have availed loan schemes to the previously economically weak fair sex.
Yet many critics think Kazibwe did not use her clout as extensively as she could have for womenfolk. The Domestic Relations Bill, that seeks to liberate the woman at home, has not yet been passed, with all its attendant issues of property rights. Violence against women (of which Kazibwe is a self-confessed victim) is still high.
But then, again, she could never have addressed all the issues and hoped to have overcome them all on her own. Besides, she represented more than just the woman. She has had a colourful, and often controversial career and public life, but so do many others. She has made her contribution, and when she thought it right to leave the stage to other actors, she has drawn the curtain. She has made her mark, and for that we are thankful.