Buyende, Uganda: The Minister for Presidency and Budiope West MP-elect, Hon Babirye Milly Babalanda, has called for a balanced approach to education in Busoga, urging equal opportunities for both boys and girls.
Babalanda made the remarks while presiding over the 2026 Women’s Day celebrations on Monday, March 23, at Kakooge Primary School in Buyende District, where leaders and development partners highlighted education as a key driver of empowerment.
“Education is key to empowering our girls and women. We must ensure they have equal access to quality education,” Babalanda said.
She cautioned against sidelining boys in the push to uplift girls, stressing the need for inclusivity in education planning. “It is true we must empower girls to access better education, but boys must also be catered for because a well-planned girl will have to marry a boy,” she added.
Call for development support
Buyende District LCV Chairperson Michael Kanaku used the platform to appeal for increased government support toward education and infrastructure development. “We need support in education and infrastructure development. Our people deserve better,” Kanaku said.
He also emphasised the need for affirmative action to ensure women are fully included in leadership and development processes. “We must ensure women are inclusive in every department. Let’s give them the space to participate and contribute to development,” he added.
Mary Goret, representing the United Nations, called on parents to prioritise education for their children, particularly girls, noting its long-term impact on socio-economic transformation.
“Investing in women and girls is key to fostering economic and social progress. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s future,” she said.
She added that empowering girls through education is not a loss but a strategic investment in national development.
The event attracted dignitaries from across the country and focused on advancing women’s rights, with education highlighted as a cornerstone for empowerment.
Leaders emphasised the need for collective action to support both girls’ and boys’ education, noting that inclusive strategies are essential for sustainable development in the Busoga sub-region.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
