Kampala,Uganda – Rubirizi District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Jeniva Arinaitwe Nnalongo has pledged to make boy child empowerment a central focus of her first year in the 12th Parliament.
Shortly after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, the newly sworn-in MP told reporters that uplifting boys is critical for building stronger families and communities in Rubirizi.
“We cannot have a healthy society if we leave the boy child behind. For too long, boys have been overlooked in conversations about empowerment and mentorship. It’s time we change that,” Hon. Arinaitwe said.
She noted that issues such as school dropout rates, substance abuse, and lack of skills training among boys in the district require urgent attention. Her office plans to work with local leaders, schools, and civil society to roll out mentorship programs, vocational training, and psychosocial support targeting young males.
Hon. Arinaitwe said the initiative will run alongside her other priorities for Rubirizi, including improving maternal health services, supporting women’s income-generating projects, and strengthening education and water infrastructure in rural sub-counties.
“We must create opportunities that keep both girls and boys in school and give them a chance to contribute productively to society,” she added.
The MP’s pledge comes as more than 500 MPs-elect take their oath this week ahead of the opening of the 12th Parliament.
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