Politics 15 October 2026 Nile Post

Ann Lumumba Takes Office as National Women's Council Chairperson

Ann Lumumba Ruyondo has been officially sworn in as the chairperson of the National Women's Council, following her victory in the September elections. The National Resistance Movement secured all top four executive positions in the council. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/378803/ann-lumumba-sworn-in-as-national-womens-council-chairperson

Ann Lumumba Ruyondo has officially assumed the leadership of the National Women’s Council (NWC) after being sworn in as its new chairperson. Her inauguration took place on Thursday at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, marking her transition into the role previously held by Hajjat Faridah Kibowa.

The National Women’s Council is a public body tasked with the crucial mission of mobilizing women and fostering their engagement in Uganda’s social, economic, and political development. Lumumba’s ascent to leadership follows the NRM-dominated elections held on September 4, where candidates from the ruling party secured all four top executive positions within the National Women’s Executive Committee.

Alongside Lumumba, Agnes Kirabo was elected vice chairperson, Hope Natukunda as secretary for finance, and Shakila Among Mwenyi as publicity secretary. The National Resistance Movement’s Secretary General, Richard Todwong, who is also Lumumba’s husband, extended his congratulations and expressed confidence in the new executive team.

“Congratulations to my dear wife Ann Lumumba Todwong, as you officially take your oath of office as Chairperson of the National Women’s Council. I congratulate you and your entire executive team on earning the trust of the women of Uganda,” Todwong stated, wishing her a successful tenure.

The NWC operates under the National Women’s Council Act of 1993 and is overseen by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. The council’s mandate includes unifying women into a cohesive body, coordinating their activities, and enhancing their participation in national development. Its organizational structure spans from village and parish levels up to national leadership, providing a platform for women to voice concerns, coordinate initiatives, and engage in public affairs.

Lumumba now leads this national structure, poised to collaborate with the executive committee and lower-level councils to further the organization’s objectives. Her leadership commences as the council welcomes a new executive team following the recent nationwide electoral process.