Marrakesh, Morocco – April 14, 2025 — Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, has been awarded the prestigious Africa Women’s Good Governance Award in Marrakesh, Morocco, for her enduring legacy of leadership, transparency, and public service integrity.
The award recognizes Kadaga’s groundbreaking contributions to women’s empowerment, her two-term tenure as Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, and her advocacy for accountability throughout her career.
A Legacy of Governance and Advocacy
Kadaga’s impact spans over two decades in parliamentary leadership, where she became the first female Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, a position she held for two terms. She was praised for consistently promoting good governance, transparency, and equitable representation in both Uganda and continental platforms.
Organisers highlighted her role in:
- Steering parliamentary reform and accountability
- Strengthening women’s participation in governance
- Championing legal aid and access to justice in Uganda
Dedication and Acknowledgments
Posting on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kadaga dedicated the award to her electorate and to FIDA Uganda, with whom she pioneered the country’s first legal aid service.
“I dedicate this award to my electorate, FIDA Uganda, the MPs of the 7th to 10th Parliament, CWP (Africa and International), and IPU, where we broke barriers in women’s representation,” she wrote.
She also credited her colleagues across four parliamentary terms, her involvement in the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), and her leadership within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), for pushing the boundaries of female representation in policymaking.
A Continental Celebration of Leadership
The award ceremony brought together key African dignitaries and thought leaders, including:
- Hajia Aishatou, First Lady of Yobe State
- Ms. Adesoji from Michigan State University
- Moses Silasia, Governor of Kano State
- Alhaji Kabir Yusuf from Nigeria
Their presence underscored the continental significance of Kadaga’s achievement and her reputation as one of Africa’s most influential female leaders.
A Milestone in Ugandan Public Service
Kadaga’s recognition not only reaffirms her status as a pioneer in Ugandan politics, but also strengthens her role as a global advocate for governance, equity, and women’s rights.
The Africa Women’s Good Governance Award adds to her list of national and international accolades, further cementing her as a trailblazer for African women in leadership.
