Meet Betty – an ICLD Alumni
In this article, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose journey to top leadership is nothing short of extraordinary. Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima, an alumna of the ICLD programme Women in Political Leadership, currently serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Wakiso District in Uganda.
Elected through adult suffrage in 2021, her tenure reflects the immense support she enjoys from her constituents. Additionally, Hon. Betty is the Shadow Minister of Local Governments in Uganda and serves as the Vice President of the Women’s League of the African Parliamentary Union.
Hon. Betty’s journey is truly inspiring. Despite losing her mother at just six years old, she grew up in the town of Bweyogerere, Wakiso District. Her rise to leadership began early, fueled by her community engagement and relentless dedication to achieving her goals.
Hon. Betty has made significant contributions and consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, not only in Uganda but also across the region and the African continent. Her brilliance, resilience, and visionary leadership have earned her recognition as one of the best female legislators in Uganda, as per the Uganda Parliamentary Hansard record. She stands out as an icon of empowerment and a champion of good governance and inclusivity, attributes enhanced by her training with ICLD under the Women in Political Leadership program. Her earlier leadership roles include serving as the Vice Chairperson for Wakiso District (2016-2021), the Deputy Mayor for Kira Municipality (2011-2016), and the Speaker for Kira Town Council (2006-2011).
Advocacy and Membership
Hon. Betty is actively involved in various forums that drive sustainable development in Uganda. She is a member of several parliamentary committees, including the Public Accounts Committee – Local Governments and the Local Government Committee.
Moreover, she is affiliated with the Network of African Women Ministers and Parliamentarians, the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Malaria, the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Youths, the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health, the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Children, the Uganda Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition Security, and serves as the Coordinator for the Buganda Region in the Uganda Parliamentary Sports Club.
In Wakiso District, she founded the NAFFE TUSOME foundation, an organization advocating for second chances for girls to be enrolled in school. NAFFE TUSOME (Luganda for “let’s also study”) was developed in response to the high number of teenage pregnancies in Wakiso District during the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted in a UNFPA report (UNFPA Uganda: Fact Sheet Teenage Pregnancy, 2021)
Hon. Betty’s story is one of resilience and compassionate leadership. She continues to advocate for better education, health, and equity. Her leadership journey is marked by numerous guidance and mentorship programs that inspire young leaders to embrace their strengths and navigate the path to success with authenticity and purpose.
Acknowledgment and Inspiration
At ICLD, we honor and appreciate Hon. Betty Naluyima’s indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve in promoting inclusive leadership that values diverse perspectives and creates spaces where every voice is heard. Her commitment to excellence and good governance continues to shape a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered world for all. And her dedication and achievements inspire current and future generations!
Article by John Gitonga, ICLD Alumni Coordinator, East Africa, June 2024