Ugandan university women on study tour

Young women from different universities of Uganda are in Rwanda for a two-day visit under the auspices of CEDA International, to learn about Rwanda’s political organisation and participation of women in Parliament.

Thursday, January 28, 2016
Rehmah Kasule (L) gives MP Euthalie Nyirabega books that contain activities of CEDA International, an organisation that aims at empowering women in politics yesterday, in Kigali. (John Mbaraga)

Young women from different universities of Uganda are in Rwanda for a two-day visit under the auspices of CEDA International, to learn about Rwanda’s political organisation and participation of women in Parliament.

The delegation was yesterday in Parliament, where they discussed with lawmakers matters relating to women’s role in the House.

"The purpose of our visit is to give young university girls an insight of what really happens in politics. We consider Rwanda as a role model state and we hope to learn as well as share ideas and experiences regarding women political empowerment,” Rehmah Kasule, the head of the delegation, said.

Nakinyu Rashida Jemeo(L) from Islamic University in Uganda and Ahakanisa Expensive (R) from Muteesa I Royal University, Uganda follow the meeting in Kigali yesterday.

"The vision of our organisation is to help create a new generation of women leaders, who are economically independent, socially responsible and politically active,” Kasule said.

MP Francesca Tengera emphasised that women empowerment in Rwanda has been as a result of political will and the fact that Rwandan women have proved their capability in various sectors.

"There are laws that give the opportunity to women to run for election through political parties and women forums, "Francesca said.

MP Euthalie Nyirabega (R) explains the order of parliament in Rwanda as Rehmah Kasule (L) the head of the visiting delagation looks on.

Tengera added that the discussion will foster future improvement in competence of Ugandan women in Parliament.

"It is important to teach students about the set-up and context of laws. Possibly there were no enabling laws to encourage women to participate in parliament but these students are in position to change that and inspire them to inclusively participate in all decision making levels.”

Sarah Aloyo, the president of CEDA ‘Let girls vote’ club in Ndejje University Kampala-campus, said they feel challenged to be change makers in their nation’s political administration.

Ugandan university students and Rwandan MPs pose for a group photo after the meeting in Kigali yesterday. (All photos by John Mbaraga)

"We have been discussing with the MPs here and I am very happy that they have answered all the questions we had. They have briefed us on what happens in the Rwandan parliament. Women are capable; I am so impressed that Rwanda is taking women to the next level and I have realised that they are well organised. I will play my role for the same to happen in my country,” Sarah Oloyo said.

The delegation also visited the Kigali Genocide memorial site to learn about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw