Ann Lumumba Ruyondo has taken over as chairperson of the National Women’s Council, succeeding Faridah Kibowa, with a pledge to represent women regardless of their political differences.
Ruyondo said her leadership would focus on issues affecting all women, regardless of their political affiliations, adding that she would welcome constructive criticism to improve the council’s work.
“Issues affecting women cut across political differences. I will consider criticism from all sides as long as it is constructive and helps take the council in the right direction,” Ruyondo said.
She made the remarks during the handover ceremony, where outgoing chairperson Kibowa reflected on her tenure, which began in 2018, and called on the incoming executive to maintain the council’s work.
Kibowa thanked President Museveni for supporting women through government programmes, including the Parish Development Model and women’s economic empowerment initiatives.
She said such programmes were important in improving women’s livelihoods and encouraged the new leadership to build on the achievements made during her tenure.
Gen. Henry Tumukunde, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, commended Kibowa for her contribution to the council since she assumed office in 2018.
Tumukunde said Kibowa had helped strengthen the council and unite women during her time as chairperson. He urged the incoming leaders to learn from the outgoing executive and continue working to improve the welfare of women across the country.
He also encouraged Kibowa to remain involved in women’s affairs, saying she could continue advising the ministry on matters affecting women.
Tumukunde said the government would continue supporting women’s development, particularly through initiatives aimed at improving their economic well-being.
However, he urged women leaders to look beyond economic empowerment and take an active role in protecting the environment, fighting corruption and defending human rights.
He said women had an important part to play in promoting accountability and protecting the rights of citizens, adding that their leadership should contribute to the country’s social and economic development.
Richard Todwong, the NRM secretary general, also attended the ceremony and called on the new executive to take the lead in mentoring women across the country.
Todwong said developing strong women leaders was important for national progress and urged the incoming team to support other women to take up leadership positions and contribute to community development.
Ruyondo was elected unopposed as chairperson during the National Women’s Council elections held at Kyambogo College School on September 4, 2026. She was among four NRM candidates who secured the top leadership positions.
The other elected leaders were Agnes Kirabo as vice chairperson, Hope Natukunda as secretary for finance, and Among Shakila Mwenyi as publicity secretary.
Ruyondo had earlier defeated Kibowa in the NRM primaries, polling 109 votes against the incumbent’s 25 before emerging unopposed in the national election.
