Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo, the Patron of Decent Africa Foundation hands over a gift to the First Lady, Janet Museveni. Next to Sebugwawo is Mr. Henry Lutwama, the Decent Africa Co-founder.
First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataha Museveni has urged parents to teach children in their care to love themselves and God and to be proud of who they are.
Mrs. Museveni was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural Decent Africa Summit at Serena Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday.
She, however, noted that women are at the heart of “our families” and that they are “natural caregivers.”
“Uphold our cultural values of love, respect, and dignity in shaping the future of Africa,” said Mrs. Museveni.
The First Lady and Minister appealed to policymakers to champion initiatives that prioritize education and healthcare and those that jealously guard African values for a “wealthier and educated” Africa.
Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo, the patron of the Decent Africa Foundation, noted that parenting is “the most important role one can take.”
“We aren’t just raising children. We are nurturing Africa,” said Sebugwawo, who also doubles as the Minister of State for ICT. In Africa, she added, culture is deep-rooted. We should emphasize parenting and a home as the first school. Sebugwawo was, however, cognizant of the many challenges affecting families. However, she said that “we must not remind ourselves by the wealth we possess but by the wisdom to, among others, love.”
She tasked policymakers to make sure that young people access quality education and healthcare and put up a safe environment for the young people.
The minister warned that although the digital age presents opportunities, it also equally presents risks.
“Protect the children from online exploitation,” Sebugwawo urged parents. “Your influence on your children extends beyond the confines of your home.”
In a keynote address, the Queen of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, said achieving a pandemic-free world requires a collective effort.
She said that Obuntu Bulamu is critical in achieving “this shared vision.”
The Nnabagagereka noted that there is also a need to embrace and leverage cultural frameworks, for Africa’s strength lies in its rich cultural heritage.
“We cannot ignore the wisdom of our elders,” the Nnabagereka warned.
She noted that the role of women is critical in education and healthcare.
To this, she urged for advocacy for women in decision-making positions. Although she noted that Uganda is doing well in this area, she added that “We can still do better.”
The Nnabagereka noted that for women to be fully empowered, they need access to finance to better themselves and their businesses.
To the policymakers, the Nnabagereka said that there is a need for gender-responsive health and education policies as well as the resources and the political will to see to it that there is healthcare and education for all.
“Today, we gathered here to discuss a critical issue: the empowerment of the girl child. As men, we must acknowledge that this conversation is not solely the responsibility of women. We, too, have a vital role to play as fathers and brothers. It’s unprecedented to have the Queen of Buganda and the First Lady of Uganda share the same stage, something we are witnessing here at Serena today. This demonstrates their deep commitment to this cause. At Decent Africa, we believe that the conversation around girl empowerment must extend beyond this summit. It should resonate in boardrooms, hospitals, schools, churches, and on the streets. Everywhere. We’re honoured to have remarkable women leaders join us, including Uganda Independence medalist Sister Rose Nerima, Hajjat Safina Kenyangi of the Women Muslim Council, and Mrs. Rose Biingi of the Church of Uganda. Their presence underscores the importance of collective action in uplifting the girl child, the very essence and the heart and soul of this summit,” said Mr. Henry Lutwama, Decent Africa’s co-founder.
