Remarks at the Launch of the Women 2025 + 16 Days of Activism Campaign “Stride for Change”

Salutations:

• The Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, Honourable Dr. Peace Mutuuzo,
• The Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Her Excellency, Maria Håkansson, and other Diplomatic representatives
• The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
• UNFPA Representative, Kristine Blokhus and other UN Country Team members,
• Male Change Makers, Students and Media Representatives,
• Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, and thank you for bringing such vibrant energy to this launch of the 2025 16 Days of Activism.

Today, as we kick off this year’s campaign, we celebrate a simple but powerful truth: gender equality is everybody’s business. And this year, we boldly shine a light on men as changemakers—as allies, as advocates, as a new generation committed to ending all forms of violence, including digital violence, against women and girls.

As we mark the commitments that Uganda and most of the countries in the world made in Beijing 30 years ago, we are reminded that progress is real, but unfinished. The Government of Uganda has made important strides, yet too many women and girls still face barriers to safety, dignity, and opportunity. Changing this reality requires not only strong policies but strong voices—voices like yours.

That is why today’s campaign is so special. Over the next 16 days, the voices and stories of 16 influential male Ugandan changemakers will fill our screens and conversations. Their message is clear:

“Because I’m a man… I choose respect. I choose equality. I choose to stand against violence.”

To the 16 men lending their influence to this movement—thank you. Your leadership shows young men everywhere that strength is not about dominance, but about dignity. Not about silence, but solidarity.

As UN, we extend our deep appreciation to the Ambassador of the Netherlands and to all ambassadors championing the Women 2025+ campaign, your collective voice has set a powerful example—one that elevates women and girls, mobilizes men as allies, and inspires institutions across Uganda to accelerate action toward Gender Equality. 

And to the Embassy of Sweden and UNFPA—thank you for championing this creative, youth-driven initiative and ensuring it remains ethical, inclusive, survivor-centred, and aligned with our shared commitment to ending GBV.

But most of all, thank you to the students of Makerere. This campus has always been a heartbeat of social change. Your energy today—this walk, this momentum—tells the whole country that the future is in good hands.

We walked together as a “Stride for Change,” let us continue to walk with purpose, let us walk with joy, and let us walk knowing that when men and women rise together, equality becomes inevitable.

Let the 16 Days begin—and let Uganda stride forward.

Thank you.