Kampala, Uganda – On 3rd March 2026, Hon. Okello Henry Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), hosted a high-level meeting with a delegation from UN Women Uganda led by Paulina Chiwangu, accompanied by Adekemi Ndieli and Brian Okech. The engagement provided a valuable platform to review ongoing cooperation and explore strategic priorities for future collaboration.
The discussions focused on advancing gender equality and strengthening institutional partnerships in Uganda within the context of a rapidly evolving global landscape. Key issues included ongoing United Nations reform processes, shifting funding dynamics, and the urgent need to safeguard mandates that directly promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls. These conversations were particularly timely as Uganda prepares to assume the Presidency of the UN Women Executive Board in 2026, a role that positions the country to influence global gender equality priorities and policy direction.
Beyond policy dialogue, the meeting highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between UN Women and the Government of Uganda. This collaboration spans multiple sectors from gender policy development, electoral processes, access to justice, national planning, and broader governance systems. Both parties emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum through enhanced coordination, strengthened advocacy in multilateral spaces, and the exploration of diversified partnerships to sustain long-term impact.
The engagement also reaffirmed a shared commitment to ensuring that gender equality remains central to development efforts and institutional reform, even in the face of financial constraints and shifting geopolitical realities. Participants underscored that inclusive development cannot be achieved without prioritising the empowerment of women and girls. The meeting concluded with a clear consensus on the importance of sustained partnerships. Continued dialogue, mutual respect, and coordinated advocacy were identified as essential to navigating upcoming global and national reforms. Hon. Oryem expressed optimism about deepening collaboration with UN Women to deliver inclusive, equitable, and transformative outcomes for women and girls across Uganda.
The UN Women delegation meet with the foreign affairs team led by Hon. Okello Oryem
