US recognises seven women

The US government has recognised seven outstanding women in Uganda whom it says have changed their communities for the better.

In commemoration of International Women’s Month, the US government, in partnership with Isis-Women’s International Cross-Cultural Exchange (Isis-WICCE) and Century Entrepreneurship Development Agency International, recognised seven outstanding women including an MP.

Award winners are; Beatrice Ayuru Byaruhanga (proprietor/director, Lira Integrated), Jesca Anyango Were (teacher, Namayingo District), Prudence Komujinya (board member, Acid Survivors Foundation), Elizabeth Nkonji (Media Development Consultant), Lydia Kantono (Assistant Superintendent of Police), Betty Tibaleka (Director and host, The Untold Story) and Kitgum Woman MP Beatrice Atim Anywar.

The Ugandan Women of Courage Award recognises efforts of grassroots and professional women who contribute to the development of their communities despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

US Ambassador to Uganda Jerry P. Lanier presented the awards on Thursday at his residence in Kololo, a Kampala suburb. The categories were; education, health, human rights, economic empowerment, peace and security, media, and environment/climate change.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ambassador Lanier said: “The seven women we are honouring here tonight are leaders.What is most impressive is that the initial success of these women didn’t come from big projects but from their own resilience.”

The programme highlights the US government’s dedication to the empowerment of women in Uganda.