Lira District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Linda Auma

By : Sarah Achen

The Uganda Women’s Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) has elected Lira District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Linda Auma as its new Chairperson.

Auma takes over from former Tororo District Woman MP Hon. Sarah Opendi, whose term of office as UWOPA Chairperson has ended.

She will lead a new executive team that includes Tororo Woman MP Hon. Akoth Angella, who was elected Vice Chairperson, and Moyo Woman MP Hon. Candia Bernadette Kudiri, who will serve as Secretary.

Other members elected to the UWOPA leadership are Bugiri Woman MP Hon. Eunice Nakatenjo, representing the Eastern Region; Hoima  city Woman MP Hon. Asinansi Nakato, representing the Western Region; Hon. Florence Nakaziba, representing the Central Region; and Hon. Ayo Joyce, representing the Northern Region.

In her acceptance speech, Auma pledged to work closely with government ministries, departments and agencies to advance women’s interests and ensure that gender mainstreaming translates into tangible action and improved outcomes for women.

She also urged fellow legislators to share and present innovative ideas to the Executive for consideration instead of keeping them to themselves.

According to Auma, greater collaboration between Parliament and the Executive will help strengthen policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of women across the country.

Meanwhile, Adjumani District Woman MP and Parliamentary Commissioner Hon. Jessica Ababiku, who represented the Speaker of Parliament, congratulated the newly elected UWOPA leadership.

Ababiku challenged the new team to ensure that UWOPA’s work benefits women at the grassroots, while also promoting inclusiveness by working with male Members of Parliament in advancing gender equality and women’s rights.

The new leadership is expected to build on UWOPA’s mandate of advocating for gender-responsive legislation, policies and programmes and strengthening the participation of women in Uganda’s development.