By Micheal Atwakiire
Sheema: Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, the Sheema district Woman Member of Parliament, on Tuesday vowed to transform the miserable lifestyles of Sheema district women to middle income earners by 2024.
During an interview with this reporter, Atuhaire said her aim is to ensure that at least 85% of women in Sheema own their own businesses by April 2020 and that 2024 will be a year of testimonies.
“I never wanted to talk about my programs in media because some people outside there will think I’m looking for votes. But I need to assure you that all these projects of poultry, piggery, charcoal stoves and soya beans processing are meant to change the lives of Sheema women. By 2026, Sheema won’t only be a model district but also an address for Uganda as a country; meaning Sheema will be a quick address to Uganda for most foreigners. I feel dearly hurt when I see a Sheema ladies living miserable lives. I have decided to surrender whatever I have to build Sheema.”
Atuhaire later shared with SpyUganda some of the poverty alleviation projects she has so far rolled for women in Sheema. The legislator, who said she will launch the projects in a few days’ time, advised women in the district to form two or three groups per village is they want to be beneficiaries. She revealed that by the end August, all formed groups would have received hens, piglets, and soya beans plus fertilizers. Some women groups are already undergoing training on how to handle these projects, receiving skills on how to make modern charcoal stoves, reusable sanitary pads, shoemaking, among others.
“I don’t promise air; I give what I have and must share with my mothers and sisters on the cake which God gave me. So far some women groups have already started training on how to make charcoal stoves, sanitary pads and shoes which will help them earn income. The training is free and marketing all their quality products is my task.” Atuhaire said.
She however refuted rumours circulating in the district that she is strategically aiming the 2021 elections, reason why she has openly come up with those projects at this point in time.
“If you take your time and revise my manifesto of 2015/2016, you will realise that I have almost accomplished 80% of what I pledged. Those who say I have been hiding and I’m now timing the election time are right in their mistakes. By the way I couldn’t come to my people empty handed, that’s why I had to first collect enough money for the projects.”
She also refuted allegations that she favours members of her religion more than others.
“Oh My God! Where do people get all these words from? I have never and I will never discriminate someone because of religion, tribe or race. These projects are formed in villages and it’s not me to form them but people themselves. And they will all share equally. You would have accused me of religious favourtism if I’d said that each church should form a group.”
Atuhaire, who also gave out computers last year, won the Sheema district Woman MP Seat in 2016 after defeating Rosemary Nyakikongoro, currently a commissioner in the judiciary.
