Men have long been at the center of discussions, with applause often directed toward them, while women’s efforts have been overlooked due to gender discrimination in laws, institutions, and societal norms. Despite these challenges, Uganda has produced remarkable and influential women in Uganda who have broken barriers and proven that what a man can do, a woman can do even better. Through leadership, resilience, and contributions across various sectors, these influential women have made a lasting impact on Uganda’s history.
1. Amelia Kyambade
Born on 30th June 1955, Amelia Anne Kyambadde is a Ugandan politician, philanthropist, women’s activist, and Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. She has played a significant role as the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives in the Ugandan government, engaging in industrial development alongside cooperative societies.
As one of the influential women in Uganda, Kyambadde has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, dedicating her efforts to addressing gender equality issues and championing initiatives to elevate the socio-economic status of women in Uganda.
2. Joyce Mpanga
The late Joyce Rovincer Mpanga was born on 22nd January 1934 and died on 18th November 2023 was a Ugandan politician, member of the Lukiiko from 2009, she was the minister of women in development from 1988 to 1989 and the Minister of State for Primary Education from 1989 to 1992.
Among her legacies includes the fact that she is credited for the initiation of the affirmative action to admit female students at Makerere University in Kampala and subsequently at other public Universities. Being a National Council woman member, Joyce also advocated for women’s representation in parliament and lower councils.
3. Jane Ruth Aceng
A Ugandan Politician and Pediatrician, she is the Minister of Health in the Ugandan cabinet who formerly served as the Director General of Medical Services in the Ugandan Ministry of Health from 2011 to 2016.
Jane Ruth Aceng champions community Health improvement and through her advocacy, Dr. Ruth Aceng underscores Uganda’s commitment to primary health care thus employing a comprehensive approach that integrated research and clinical perspectives to ensure inclusivity in advancing healthcare.
4. Miria Matembe
Full names, Miria Rukoza Koburunga Matembe is a Ugandan politician, lawyer gender equality advocate and member of the Pan-African Parliament for Uganda.
Miria Matembe has since childhood dedicated herself to fighting for gender equality. She however contributed in the Constituent Assembly in Uganda and therefore played a significant role in shaping the 1995 constitution with every clause concerning women benefiting from her input. She also spearheaded initiatives to build ethical standards and cub corruption in Uganda.
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5. Rosemary Seninde
Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde is a Ugandan politician, educator, and was the State Minister for Primary Education in the Ugandan cabinet for five years.
As one of the most influential women in Ugandan history, she is also a women’s rights advocate who actively worked to enhance women’s representation in the Ugandan government, paving the way for future generations of women aspiring to leadership roles in the country.
6. Betty Oyella Bigombe
A Ugandan politician who served as a senior Director for fragility, conflict and violence at the World Bank from 2014 to 2017.
Betty, plays a significant role in resolving conflicts in Uganda particularly in facilitating peace talks the government and the Lord’s Resistance Army. She holds a position at the African Development Bank and the World Bank as a senior social scientist ficusing on gender, conflict, discernment and child soldiers, Betty Bigombe has been a driving force in development.
7. Winnie Byanyima
Wife to Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, Winnie Byanyima is aeronautical engineer, politician and diplomat. She is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS and the deputy general of the United Nations.
However, for over three decades, Winnie Byanyima has been an advocate for marginalized communities and women empowerment. She also among others, played a significant role in developing the protocol in the rights of women in Africa in 2004.
8. Rebbecca Kadaga
Establishing herself as one of the highest-ranking women in Ugandan politics, Rebecca Kadaga is a prominent politician who served as the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda for 12 years.
She established a legal practice, M/S Kadaga and Co. Advocates, in 1964, and as a staunch advocate for human rights, she has been a key figure in championing women’s rights, youth emancipation, and the pursuit of social and economic justice. As one of the most influential women in Ugandan history, Kadaga has significantly shaped the country’s legal and political landscape.
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9. The late Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro
Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro was a Ugandan educator, activist, and academic who achieved a groundbreaking milestone as the first female university graduate in East and Central Africa, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Arts in History from Oxford University in 1954. As one of the most influential women in Ugandan history, she paved the way for many women in education and leadership. She passed on in 2018 at the age of 92 years.
10. Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe
Appointed by President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the first female Vice President, she made history in 1994, becoming the first woman to hold such a significant position in the whole of Africa.
As one of the influential women in Uganda, Specioza is not only a trailblazer in politics but also a surgeon who established the African Women’s Committee on Peace and Development in 1998. Its mission is to facilitate women’s active participation in peace and development processes across the African continent.
All these women have played a huge role in holding the Ugandan flag at it’s highest peak not only in East Africa but also Africa at large, Internationally and Globally.
