Bushenyi,Uganda – Thousands gathered at Kakanju Primary School playground on Friday, 24th April 2026, as Bushenyi District held its belated International Women’s Day celebration under the theme _Justice, Rights, Action for All Girls and Women_.
Unlike past events in the municipality, organizers moved this year’s celebration to Kakanju to take services closer to rural communities. The day combined a free medical camp, skilling exhibitions, and major service delivery announcements.
State Minister for Public Service Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa, the chief guest, commissioned the Warugo Water Project in Kakanju Sub-county. The project will serve residents of Kakanju, Bitooma, Kyabugimbi, Ruhumuro, and Kyamuhunga, ending years of water scarcity and long treks for water.
Hon. Annet K. Mugisha, Woman MP for Bushenyi District and co-organizer with the District Women Council, called the day a celebration of progress, not just women. “Today we gather not just to celebrate women, but to celebrate progress. When a mother smiles, the whole home is at peace,” she said.
Hon. Annet Mugisha.
She praised women’s groups for turning local materials into income and thanked partners for delivering the Warugo project. “Development is a team effort. Leadership is not about titles. It is about touching lives. If one mother gets clean water, if one girl stays in school, then we have led well,” she said.
Hon. Annet pledged to keep pushing for a health sub-district hospital in Kyabugimbi, the upgrade of Nyabubare Health Center, and the success of the UCIMID project in Ishaka–Bushenyi Municipality. She challenged other districts to adopt Bushenyi’s model for Women’s Day. “I am proud to be the first Woman MP to organize Women’s Day at this level in Uganda, but I will be happier when every district can do the same.”
Minister Mugasa hailed Hon. Annet as “visionary, dedicated, committed, results-driven, and transformational,” saying Uganda celebrates her “tireless service, exemplary leadership, and unwavering focus on community development.” She also praised Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, NWSC Managing Director, as “outstanding, innovative, and exemplary,” crediting his integrity and technical excellence for projects like Warugo.
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha said the Warugo Water Project means “dignity for our mothers and time for our girls to stay in school,” and pledged to work with the community to protect the investment and extend safe water to every home in the beneficiary areas.
Eng. Silver Mugisha
The medical camp saw hundreds screened and treated. Skilling groups, including the Kakanju Women’s Skilling Group, showcased baskets, artificial flowers, and scarves that are boosting household incomes. The group thanked Hon. Annet for her mentorship and appealed for market expansion support. NWSC’s Senior Chemist for Greater Bushenyi, Mr. Mugume Deo, led a live demonstration of the water treatment process.
All Health Centre IIIs received delivery beds and delivery kits to support safe childbirth.
Bushenyi District Chairman Jafari Bassajabalaba thanked Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha for supporting his wife’s development work. He appealed to Minister Mugasa to increase the Women’s Day budget for districts, noting Bushenyi received only UGX 3 million while most funding came from Hon. Annet. He also raised low salaries for government workers and local leaders, staffing gaps due to a limited wage bill, and asked for more women in government positions to accelerate inclusive development.
Minister Mugasa advised local authorities to compile a joint report on salaries, staffing, infrastructure, and youth jobs, promising to present it to the President.
The event drew leaders including RDC Mitooma Mr. Umaru, Igara West MP-elect Hon. Cohen Champene, Rukiga MP-elect Hon. Sylvia, Rukiga LC5 Chairperson, LC3 Chairpersons from across Bushenyi, LC5 Councilors, the Bushenyi CAO, RDCs, and Bushenyi District Women Council officials.
The program featured a march, cultural performances, exhibitions, and dialogue sessions. Religious leaders prayed for unity and prosperity while youth groups presented music, drama, and poetry for mothers.
Closing the day, Hon. Annet told the crowd: “A woman with skills feeds a nation. A village with water raises a generation. Today, Bushenyi carries both. This is not just a celebration — it is a promise of the Bushenyi we are building together.”
—
*Excerpt:*
Such well mind mersheled legislators,are the ones that Ugandans to benefit and enjoy good lives.