Story of change: Lokongo Josephine’s journey to leadership

21 November 2024, 11:21 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Lokongo Josephine, a 56-year-old woman leader from Rupa sub county, Nakadeli parish, Natukasikou village in Moroto district, reflects on her transformation after being trained by the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) in 2012.

“When I joined politics a long time ago, I kept contesting but never succeeded. However, in 2022, I finally succeeded as the woman leader of Rupa sub county,” Lokongo said, attributing her perseverance and eventual success to the knowledge and confidence gained from UMWA’s training.

During the week-long training, Lokongo learned essential media skills and how to engage with her community effectively. “It gave me confidence and honesty in addressing issues in council meetings and with my community,” she said.

Lokongo regularly interviews women, men, and youth in her village, particularly on issues like cattle rustling, which deeply affect vulnerable women and children. “Many women are widows or heads of single-parent families, often left to struggle at an early age. I listen to their challenges and share them with other leaders to find solutions,” she explained.

Despite her achievements, Lokongo identifies significant challenges, particularly the inaccessibility of media for pastoral communities. “Most media houses are based in the municipality, far from the grassroots. Our people don’t have radios or the time to listen because they are always moving with their animals. Even if they have radios, there’s no network in some places,” she shared.

Lokongo advocates for a closer relationship between the media and local leaders. “We need media to come to the grassroots or invite us for focused group discussions on radio. People fear speaking out because they associate it with being arrested or punished, but with proper cooperation, we can amplify their voices,” she noted.

Through her leadership, Lokongo has become a trusted figure, guiding her community on referral pathways for assistance and encouraging them to consult her on sensitive issues. “The training broadened my capacity as a leader. Now, my community is confident in seeking my guidance, and I work to connect them to the right resources,” she said.

Lokongo’s story is a testament to how empowering women leaders at the grassroots level can transform communities, enabling them to overcome barriers and build resilience.