Karenga, Uganda: Women councillors from across Karenga District have begun a three-day capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening their legislative skills, leadership and oversight roles to enhance service delivery and inclusive governance.
The training is being conducted under the Women’s Voice and Leadership Advancement (WAVA) Project, implemented by the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) in partnership with Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA).
The programme seeks to equip elected women leaders with practical knowledge in legislative processes, policy advocacy, accountability, budget analysis and gender-responsive governance to enable them to effectively represent their constituents.
Opening the training, NARWOA Executive Director Jessica Ruth Ataa urged participants to use their leadership positions to influence policies that improve the welfare of the communities they serve.
“As women leaders, you have a responsibility to influence decisions that improve the lives of the people you represent. This training is intended to build your confidence, strengthen your understanding of legislative processes, and enable you to effectively advocate for inclusive development,” Ataa said.
She noted that women councillors play a vital role in ensuring that the interests of women, children, youth and other vulnerable groups are reflected in district policies, development plans and budgets.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy CAO Awas Peter Logwee commended FOWODE and NARWOA for investing in the leadership development of women leaders in the district.
“Strong local governments depend on capable leaders. We believe this training will equip our women councillors with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their oversight and legislative responsibilities more effectively,” Logwee said.
He encouraged the councillors to actively participate in the sessions and apply the knowledge acquired to strengthen accountability, transparency and service delivery within their communities.
Karenga District LCV Chairperson Paul Lopeyok challenged the participants to take advantage of the training to sharpen their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of council procedures.
“The people who elected you have confidence in your leadership. Use this opportunity to sharpen your legislative skills so that you can make informed decisions, provide effective oversight, and champion the development priorities of your communities,” Lopeyok said.
He stressed that effective councillors are those who understand council procedures, contribute meaningfully during debates, monitor government programmes and remain accountable to the people they represent.
The training is being facilitated by Achii Christine Lodou and Aliat Grace, who are guiding participants through practical sessions on legislative engagement, motion drafting, committee work, advocacy strategies, leadership, budget scrutiny and community representation.
“A good councillor understands council procedures, prepares adequately for debates, and confidently represents the interests of the people,” Achii Christine Lodou told participants.
Aliat Grace encouraged the women leaders to embrace continuous learning and collaboration as essential qualities of effective leadership.
“Leadership requires commitment, integrity, and continuous improvement. We want every participant to leave this training better equipped to influence policy and serve their communities effectively,” she said.
The opening day featured interactive discussions, group exercises and peer-learning sessions, allowing participants to share experiences, discuss challenges affecting women leaders and explore strategies for strengthening their role in local governance.
Organisers said the three-day programme is expected to enhance the confidence and effectiveness of women councillors, enabling them to make more meaningful contributions to council deliberations and champion inclusive development across Karenga District.
The initiative forms part of broader interventions under the WAVA Project aimed at increasing women’s participation in decision-making, promoting gender equality and strengthening accountable local governance across the Karamoja sub-region.
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