Prime
Women in 2012: The good, bad and the unbelievable
Bad Black. File Photo.
What you need to know:
Whether its men or women who run the world may still be up for debate, but the fact that this year had lots of mama drama is a sure thing. We saw women beat all odds (read ‘men’) and sit in top positions, which is the literal part. We also had women whose antics sent tongues wagging, both for the good and bad reasons. And then there was the group that we cannot decide whether the reason they were in the limelight was good or bad. Not forgetting the ones whose scandals had women squirming and feeling embarrassed for them.
The Good:
Irene Mulyagonja’s appointment
She was nominated for Inspector General of Government in April, becoming the fourth person to hold the office since its inception, and the second woman to do so. A no nonsense lady who did extremely well as a high court judge in the commercial section, Mulyagonja came at a time when the IGG’s office was being accused of only going after the “small fish”. She vowed to go after the “big fish” too, which can only be a good thing in the fight against corruption.
Rebecca Kadaga’s pleasing stance
The first female Speaker in Parliament has not had an easy second year in office. What with the Gays Bill and the even more contentious oil Bill, and on a personal basis, the passing of her father, George Wilson Kadaga Madaali, 85, on December 10. Yet still, she made us proud. Her response to the Canadian foreign minister’s demonising of Uganda because of the Gays Bill that is still in Parliament was refusing to be cowed followed by a vow to resurrect the Bill in Parliament. Talk about steely resolve!
Judith Nabakooba’s promotion
Who does not know the mellow voiced police spokeswoman, the one who actually makes the drab police uniform look friendly? This year she made a comeback as the PRO of the police and official spokesperson, a post she had lost twice in several reshuffles that saw her serve as deputy and at some point even leave the public relations office altogether. Her reappointment came just two months after the appointment of the last spokesperson . Now if this proves anything it is that Nabakooba is the best woman for the job.
Proscovia Alengot Oromait’s electoral win
The youth was just an ordinary girl early this year, but the last quarter of the year has seen her join the league of extraordinary women as one of the youngest elected members of parliament in Africa. Oromait won the by-election to become Usuk’s Member of Parliament, a position left vacant after the death of her father in July. Besides putting Uganda on another of those first lists, it is great for a lot of young people contemplating taking leadership roles with more than 50 per cent of Ugandas population being below 18. We also like to see a fresh face among the parliamentarians, even better when it is a girl.
Jennifer Musisi; a new iron lady is born
Her name should be changed to Iron Lady. Or The Woman-Who-is-Loved-and-Hated-in-Equal-Measures. This year she will be remembered for the steely determination with which she met her detractors, pushing ahead with the various changes she intends to effect on the city.
Since her appointment as Kampala Capital City Authority(KCCA) director in April, Musisi has been taking no prisoners to improve the face of the city. And little bits of green are showing up everywhere in the city, which is promising.
The Ugly:
Ingrid Turinawe’s breast pulling saga
Her face is that of a sweet innocent girl who could not hurt a fly, but seeing her during the walk to work protest you know she is a force to reckon with. It was during these the leader of FDC women’s league was caught up in the ‘boob grabbing’ saga. A member of the armed forces who was trying to arrest her decided to grab the closest appendage, her breast. Any woman with breasts knows how bad this can hurt.And that a person can be this ruthless even if it is in the middle of an arrest is bad.
Maama Fiina’s nude photos
If you have ever had a nightmare where you found yourself stark naked for all and sundry to see in broad daylight, then you may have an inkling of what this renowned herbalist went through when a tabloid published her nude photos. Never mind where they were taken, or the talk of infidelity and vengeful spurned lovers. Instead think of how long it takes to recover from that.
Doreen Kabareebe’s bare bottom
A woman’s body is beautiful; the ugliness starts setting in when her bare buttocks are plastered all over. This is what happened to video vixen/ glamour girl/ model Doreen Kabareebe at a music concert when she was snapped in all her bare bottomed glory. That this was no wardrobe malfunction or accidental occurrence but a deliberate clothing choice made it all the uglier.
The Bad:
Iryn Namubiru’ s battery
It wasn’t her latest hit putting her in the news. Rather it is revelations of domestic violence which landed her in hospital. Now it may be a good thing that she spoke out, and said, no this cannot go on, but then she intimated that this had been going on for a while. It is bad for a woman, any woman much less on in the public eye who seems so liberated to suffer in the hands of a wife batterer.
Cerinah Arioru Nebanda, gone too soon
The death of the 24-year-old Butaleja Member of Parliament was almost enveloped by the speculation on the cause of her death. She was pronounced dead at Mukwaya hospital in Nsambya, on the evening of December 14, after being dropped off by unidentified men. One of the men is purported to be her boyfriend. Her short stint at Parliament was an example of age not being a factor for a woman on a mission. Nebanda who had graduated with a degree in social sciences from Makerere was never one to be afraid of speaking her mind, especially when seeking accountability from fellow leaders for the people she represented. Her passing truly was too soon.
Bad Black a.k.a. Shanita Namuyimba
She may be the only woman who proudly carried the name ‘bad’. Known for her over the top spending and hard partying. No one knew the source of her wealth until it emerged she was embezzling it from a company she co-owned with her then lover. As the saga unfolded more and more details emerged which painted the former queen of the social circuit in even worse light bringing up her former life as a lady of the night. The bad part was the reckless abandon with which she spent money that did not belong to her by virtue of being in a relationship with the owner. A thing that saw her go to prison weeks after she had just had a baby.
The Unbelievable:
Mary Nalule
This septuagenarian excited the nation with her bold appearance on a lonely hearts on a local TV station show. Her declarations were even more exciting; she wanted a white man whom she could have fun with. Now, some suppose there is nothing wrong with a 75-year-old who, by the way, looks at least a decade younger, wanting to have a bit of fun, seeing as her children have already left the nest and she is genuinely lonely. But then, there is the whole idea of someone her age wanting to go back to the chaotic life of hitting clubs and dating. Which is which?
Catherine Kalembe’s suit of her fiancé
Kalembe decided to shock her estranged fiancé, and the nation at large, in August, by suing him for breach of promise and causing her emotional strife. Turns out the accused had gone back on a promise to marry her and that is after Kalembe had made substantial investments towards him getting a job and the introduction ceremony. Last we checked, the fiancée was trying to offer a Shs2m out-of-court settlement, and Kalembe was hearing none of it. Now, it is may be a lesson to the man, and others like him, that you cannot just string a girl along. But then again, there is the argument that it is the fury of a scorned woman, which no court of law can settle.
Jackie Chandiru and her adult drama
The former Blu3 girl has more than her successful solo career and club ready hits to keep her in the limelight. Her romantic connection to city lawyer, Caleb Alaka, has inevitably placed her in a love triangle, one which features an estranged wife. Public drama has been a main feature of this relationship, from Chandiru being called a husband snatcher to never-ending accusations of harassment between the two, that sometimes end up at police stations. Now, while everyone is entitled to happiness and far be it from us to judge with who one gets it, there is the issue of there being another woman, a legally married one at that. Oh Chandiru, aren’t you too young for this drama? But then again, when the heart makes its pick, who are you to deny it?
Jennifer Musisi and Amelia Kyambadde stand-off
The matter of contention was the eviction of Centenary Park leaseholders and subsequently their tenants. In trademark Musisi style, she was adamant that the lease holders had gone against the contract and was bent on reclaiming it as a public green space. For Kyambadde, it was in her capacity as Minister for Trade and Industry to protect the interests of local investors. With two strong-willed women, it became heated and the word “terrorist” in reference to Musisi was used. So, it was bad for a while, but then the storm blew over when the two ladies sat and talked it out in a meeting. Atleast that was the last we heard of it.
