Female Diplomats in Uganda Recruit Male Allies for 'Plus One' Equality Campaign

In a fresh approach to gender equality, influential women leaders in Uganda—including diplomats and UN agency directors—have initiated the ‘Plus One’ campaign. Rather than speaking only among themselves, each has selected a prominent Ugandan man as a committed partner to drive real change.

Danish Ambassador Signe Winding Albjerg paired with Makerere University lecturer and activist Jimmy Spire Sentongo for his sharp humor in tackling tough issues. Sentongo, moved by the role, shared a poignant story from a refugee camp in Adjumani. There, a young boy openly carried a sanitary pad as part of a club educating boys on girls’ health, inspiring hope for broader societal understanding.

UNDP Resident Representative Nwanneakolam Vwede Obahor chose Fabian Kasi, managing director of Centenary Bank, highlighting financial independence as key to women’s empowerment. She stressed that economic agency enables women to make decisions, escape harmful situations, and invest in their futures.

UK Ambassador Lisa Chesney praised the rare spirit of collaboration among female diplomats in Kampala, noting it strengthens their impact without competition. Industrial leader Barbra Mulwana, former head of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, advised young women to ally with men, leverage collaboration skills, and build unshakeable confidence through continuous learning.

The campaign underscores that equality is a collective journey, blending women’s solidarity with men’s active support.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)