The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Leonard Zulu, has called for intensified efforts to ensure justice for women and girls, emphasizing that gender equality is not just a goal but a legal obligation and a foundation for sustainable development and peace.
Speaking on Sunday during the national celebrations for International Women’s Day 2026 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Zulu highlighted the importance of turning commitments into tangible results for Ugandan women and girls.
The national celebrations were held under the theme, “Scaling up investment to accelerate access to justice for women and girls across Uganda,” while the global theme for this year’s commemoration is “Giving to Gain.”
“This is a moment to reaffirm that gender equality is much more than an aspiration; it is a legal obligation and a prerequisite for sustainable development and lasting peace,” he said.
Zulu further stressed that “Access to justice is not only a legal matter but also a development imperative: a human rights obligation and a cornerstone of peace and stability.”
Reflecting on Uganda’s progress, Zulu noted, “Uganda has also made commendable strides in protecting women’s participation in governance through affirmative action
policies, among others.”
In a significant milestone during the celebrations, the United Nations joined the Government of Uganda in launching the National FGM Strategy, with the shared ambition of making Uganda the first country to reduce cases of female genital mutilation to zero by 2030.
“This year’s global theme is a clear call to move from commitments to concrete results; to ensure that justice is real and accessible in the daily lives of women and girls,” Zulu added.
The celebration brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders to reaffirm collective commitment to advancing women’s rights and gender equality across Uganda.
This year’s national commemoration brought together government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and members of the public to reflect on achievements made in promoting gender equality while identifying areas requiring further investment to accelerate access to justice for women and girls.