Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda’s first female Prime Minister, champions gender inclusion and socio-economic development. Since her appointment in June 2021, she has remained a dedicated Woman Member of Parliament for Kakumiro District, a position she has held since 2016.
Driving Economic Empowerment and Poverty Reduction
Under Nabbanja’s leadership, Uganda has made significant strides in economic empowerment at the grassroots level. The Parish Development Model (PDM), introduced during her tenure, aims to transition 39% of Ugandans from subsistence farming to income-generating activities. This initiative provides financial support through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), benefiting local entrepreneurs, boda boda riders, market vendors, and women-led businesses.
Complementing the PDM, she implements the Emyooga Programme, offering financial assistance to small businesses in rural areas to foster economic inclusivity. The Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) also empowers women by providing financial and entrepreneurial support, enabling them to establish and expand their businesses.
To address unemployment, her administration promotes the establishment of industrial hubs that provide training for youth and women in various trades. These hubs create jobs, enhance skill sets, and encourage self-reliance, ultimately boosting economic growth.
Transforming Uganda’s education sector
Education reform remains a key focus of Nabbanja’s agenda. In Uganda’s Toro sub-region, the primary school completion rate is only 30%, while Lyantonde District faces a 63% dropout rate. Recognising these challenges, the Prime Minister has implemented policies to improve educational outcomes.
Nabbanja enforces eliminating illegal school fees that threaten Uganda’s free education initiatives. She strengthens government-mandated policies to reduce dropout rates, particularly among economically disadvantaged children. She also introduces measures to hold teachers accountable, including a proposal for head teachers to enrol their children in the schools they manage, ensuring a vested interest in maintaining educational standards.
To combat teacher absenteeism caused by financial burdens from multiple loans, Nabbanja advocates for stricter oversight and deploys the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) for school inspections. She also promotes a shift towards competence-based education, incorporating practical skills training into Uganda’s curriculum.
Championing gender inclusion and global recognition
Nabbanja remains steadfast in her commitment to gender inclusion. She advocates for women’s empowerment and policy reforms encouraging female leadership and economic participation. She also plays an active role in international platforms, including the Sudan Women’s Peace Dialogue, where she amplifies women’s voices in governance and peace-building efforts.
As Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja continues to drive change in Uganda by promoting economic growth, educational reform, and gender equality. Her efforts have received global recognition, and in 2024, she was honoured with the African Female Leader of the Year Award and the Global Inspirational Leadership Award.
