the Humanist view

In December 2019, I was the keynote speaker for the first Karamoja Women’s Conference.

During my keynote address, I asked women of Karamoja thus:

“Through a qualitative lens, are you, the women of Karamoja, convinced that the two Karimojong men in Cabinet are able and are fully equipped to represent the Karimojong women’s voice during policy initiation and discussion sessions in Cabinet?

What about the two men of Bantu ancestry currently appointed ministers for Karamoja Affairs? Are they the ones that are the most qualified and most competent to present, defend and advocate for the views of Karimojong women, during Cabinet sessions?”

CLICK HERE and read “Cry Karamoja Women” for more on my keynote.

I have the answers to my questions, not only in word, but in the achievements of the women of Karamoja who, post conference, did all that it took, including petitioning the appointing authorities.

Within a short period, from having no Karimojong women in Cabinet, for the first time in the history of the nation state Uganda, we now have two:

Hon. Anyakun Esther Davinia, State Minister in the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees

Hon. Akello Rose Lilly, State Minister in the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President of the Republic of Uganda.

Celebrating the appointment of Karimojong women onto Cabinet for the first time in the history of Uganda, Lomuria Konyen Betty wrote:

“Ija Alinga Norah Owaraga the women are celebrating, kindly join us for your keynote address provoked women and you led the women through this conversation during the conference.”

At the first Karamoja Women’s Conference, with my guest, distinguished Advocate Lillian Drabo.

You see, during my keynote address, in the section of my speech, “ARISE WOMEN OF KARAMOJA, MAKE HISTORY”, I asked:

“Since most ministers are chosen from elected members of parliament (MPs), does Karamoja not have women MPs?

What is wrong with our women MPs that the appointing authority does not entrust them with government ministerial duties?

Or is the problem the appointing authority?”

We have the answers to my questions.

I am thrilled for we all need affirmation.

And, of course, I am happy that the Women of Karamoja are rising!

Hearty congratulations to the women of Karamoja who took our conversations forward into action; and to the wider women’s movement of Karamoja.