Robinah Achomo Kaima, a passionate advocate for the people of Buyende, is vying for the position of District Woman Member of Parliament under the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Driven by a deep understanding of the district’s unique challenges and unparalleled potential, Achomo, born in Kirimira village, Kiwaba Parish, Nkondo Sub County, offers a compelling vision for its future.
In this interview with Busoga Times, she shares her plans and aspirations for Buyende, outlining how she intends to uplift the people in the district and contribute to its overall prosperity.
What motivated you to seek the position of District Woman MP for Buyende?
My motivation stems from a profound commitment to serving the people of Buyende, particularly the women and children who are the backbone of our communities. I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles my people especially women face, from limited access to resources and healthcare to the challenges of economic empowerment.
I firmly believe that empowering women and children is the cornerstone of a strong family unit. It’s widely understood that the family serves as the fundamental building block of any community. Therefore, by prioritizing the well-being and agency of women and children, we lay the groundwork for resilient and thriving families. These strong and empowered families, in turn, will create strong communities, and ultimately, a strong Buyende district and a strong Uganda.
Empowered families are better equipped to ensure their children are healthy and ready to learn, leading to improved educational outcomes. They are also more likely to engage in entrepreneurial activities, fostering sustainable businesses and economic growth. This empowerment will ripple throughout Buyende, from the close-knit community of Nkoone, where my uncles reside, to the warm and welcoming people of Bukungu, fostering an environment of harmony, cooperation, and shared prosperity for all.
I believe I possess the experience, the passion, and the dedication to effectively represent the interests of the people of Buyende and advocate for policies that will truly make a difference in their lives. I want to be the voice of my people in parliament, championing their needs and ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve. I might be a district Woman MP, but I will be an MP for all the genders in Buyende. Women are most happy when men are happy.
What are the most pressing issues facing women in Buyende district today?
Several critical issues demand our immediate and sustained attention if we are to achieve true gender equality and empower women to reach their full potential.
Firstly, access to quality healthcare, particularly maternal and child health services, remains a significant challenge, especially in underserved communities. This includes not only the availability of basic medical facilities and trained personnel, but also affordability and culturally sensitive care.
We must address the root causes of maternal mortality, such as inadequate prenatal care, complications during childbirth, and postpartum complications. Investing in community health workers, strengthening referral systems, and ensuring access to family planning services are crucial steps. Furthermore, advocating for policies that prioritize women’s health within national health budgets is paramount.
Secondly, financial literacy and access to micro-finance opportunities are crucial for economic empowerment, enabling women to start and grow businesses, manage their finances effectively, and build financial security.Many women lack the knowledge and resources to navigate the financial system, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and hindering their ability to escape poverty.
We need to implement targeted financial literacy programs tailored to the specific needs of women, particularly those in rural areas and marginalized communities. Expanding access to micro-loans, savings groups, and other financial services, coupled with mentorship and business training, can empower women to become successful entrepreneurs and contribute to economic growth.
Thirdly, we need to address the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms and ensure that women have access to justice and protection.GBV, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and harmful traditional practices, is a pervasive human rights violation that undermines women’s health, well-being, and economic prospects.
This requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening legal frameworks to criminalize all forms of GBV, providing survivors with access to comprehensive support services (shelter, counseling, legal aid, and healthcare), and challenging societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence. Raising awareness about GBV, engaging men and boys as allies in prevention efforts, and ensuring effective law enforcement and judicial responses are essential components of a comprehensive strategy.
Finally, education and skills training are paramount in equipping women with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Investing in girls’ education, from primary school to higher education, is not only a fundamental human right but also a powerful engine for economic development. Furthermore, we need to prioritize skills training programs that are relevant to the demands of the labor market, focusing on areas such as technology, entrepreneurship, and vocational trades.
Land ownership, again especially for women, and access to agricultural resources are also key concerns, particularly for women in rural areas. Secure land tenure is fundamental for women’s economic security and empowerment, enabling them to access credit, invest in their farms, and improve their livelihoods.
We must advocate for legal reforms that guarantee women’s equal rights to land ownership and inheritance, and implement policies that support women farmers with access to agricultural inputs, technology, and markets. This includes addressing discriminatory customary practices and ensuring that women have a voice in land governance decisions.
How do you plan to address these issues if elected?
My approach will be multi-faceted and collaborative. I will work closely with relevant government ministries, NGOs, and community-based organizations to develop and implement targeted programs. For healthcare, I will advocate for increased funding for local health centers, improved infrastructure, and the training of more healthcare professionals.
To empower women economically, I will champion initiatives that promote financial literacy, provide access to affordable credit, and support women-led businesses. On gender-based violence, I will work to strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms, raise awareness about the issue, and provide support to survivors. Regarding education, I will advocate for scholarships and bursaries for girls, and vocational training programs that equip women with marketable skills.
The NRM has been in power for a long time. How do you plan to ensure your promises are fulfilled, especially considering the district’s persistent challenges?
As a candidate under the NRM ticket, I recognize the importance of accountability and effective implementation. I will leverage the existing NRM structures and networks to ensure that programs are implemented efficiently and transparently. I will also maintain constant communication with my constituents, providing regular updates on my progress and seeking their feedback.
I believe in the power of collaboration and will work with all stakeholders, regardless of their political affiliation, to achieve our shared goals for Buyende. Moreover, I will prioritize monitoring and evaluation to ensure that programs are achieving their intended impact and making a real difference in the lives of women.
What specific skills and experiences do you bring to the table that make you the best candidate for this position?
I am a highly educated and comprehensively trained individual, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a significant contribution to the development of Buyende district. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Population Studies in Statistics from Makerere University, providing me with a strong analytical foundation for understanding complex socio-economic issues.
Beyond my formal education, I have actively sought and received various human interest training programs and mentorship opportunities, further honing my understanding of community needs and effective intervention strategies.
My qualifications are complemented by years of hands-on experience in community development and advocacy. I have a proven track record of working closely with diverse stakeholders within Buyende district, including women’s groups, youth organizations, and local leaders. Through these collaborations, I have gained a deep and nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that exist within the community, allowing me to tailor solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
I am a strong and articulate communicator, capable of effectively conveying information and building consensus among diverse audiences. My experience has also cultivated strong negotiation skills, enabling me to successfully advocate for the needs of the community and secure positive outcomes. I am a passionate advocate for the voiceless, dedicated to ensuring that all members of the community have an opportunity to thrive.
Furthermore, my commitment to the NRM’s vision of a prosperous and equitable Uganda is unwavering. I believe that my skills and experience align perfectly with the party’s goals, and I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to their realization.
My experience in project management and resource mobilization will be invaluable in attracting funding from various sources, both domestic and international, and in implementing impactful programs that address the pressing needs of the community and drive sustainable development.
What is your final message to the women of Buyende?
To the people of Buyende, I want to say that I hear you, I see you, and I am here to represent you. I believe in your strength, your resilience, and you’re potential. I promise to be a dedicated and effective advocate for your needs in parliament. Together, we can build a brighter future for Buyende, where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and reach her full potential.
Let us work together to transform our district and create a better life for ourselves and our children. I am ready to serve, and I am confident that together, we can achieve great things. Your vote for Robinah Achomo Kaima is a vote for progress, for empowerment, and for a brighter future for all women in Buyende.
