Oyam District Woman MP urges respect, equality, and education support

31 March 2026, 12:26 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

During the belated International Women’s Day celebration at Abok Primary School in Oyam District, leaders highlighted the importance of respect within families, equal treatment of children, and investment in education as key pillars for community development.

Santa Alum Ogwang, Woman Member of Parliament, encouraged women to respect their husbands even when financially independent, stressing that mutual respect helps reduce domestic violence. She also urged men to end gender-based violence and called on parents to support the education of both boys and girls equally, for the future of Uganda and the advancement of Oyam District.

Sgt. Shilako James, Resident District Commissioner, reminded the gathering that International Women’s Day is intended to honour women’s achievements in cultural, social, and political development, while also promoting equality, women’s rights, and girl-child education.

Christ Ongom, Vice Chairperson of Oyam District, speaking on behalf of the District Chairman, highlighted the theme of the celebration: Scaling Up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls in Uganda. He announced that the district is constructing a four‑stance latrine at Abok Primary School to support girls’ education and improve sanitation.

Proscovia Acam, Chairperson of the Oyam District Women’s League, said the selection of Abok Primary School was deliberate to highlight the challenges faced by the institution. She outlined the achievements of women in Oyam through government programmes and urged the Woman MP to support further development initiatives, including women’s economic empowerment projects.

Phillips Ogile Jakayo, LC3 Chairman of Abok Sub county, appealed to the Woman MP to empower women in Abok, noting that while school dropout rates are declining, more effort is needed to sustain progress.

Charles Okello, Headteacher, raised concerns about the lack of teachers’ latrines, inadequate staff housing, a shortage of teachers, and cracked classrooms, calling for urgent intervention to improve learning conditions.

Women who attended expressed excitement about the celebration and pledged to share the knowledge gained with those who missed the event, encouraging all women to participate in future celebrations. They also called for more vocational training opportunities, access to financial support programmes, and stronger community sensitisation against harmful cultural practices.