KAMPALA, Uganda — Ann Lumumba Ruyondo has been sworn in as Chairperson of Uganda’s National Women’s Council (NWC), formally taking over leadership of the statutory body responsible for mobilising women and promoting their participation in national development.

Ruyondo took the oath of office on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, succeeding outgoing chairperson Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, who has led the council since 2018.

Her swearing-in follows the September 4 elections held at Kyambogo College School, where she emerged as chairperson after her independent rival, Ambassador Joy Ruth Acheng, withdrew from the race. Ruyondo was elected unopposed, alongside other National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates who secured the council’s four top executive positions.

The incoming executive includes Agnes Kirabo as Vice Chairperson, Hope Natukunda as Secretary for Finance, and Shakila Among Mwenyi as Publicity Secretary.

The National Women’s Council operates under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Established under the National Women’s Council Act, the body is mandated to organise women into a unified structure, coordinate their activities and ideas, and promote their participation in Uganda’s political, economic, social, cultural and educational development.

The council also provides channels through which women can communicate their concerns and access social and economic services, with structures extending from village and parish levels to sub-counties, municipalities and districts.

Following her election, Ruyondo pledged to represent women across political divides and said she would welcome constructive criticism to guide the council’s work.

Her leadership begins with the responsibility of working with women’s structures across the country to advance women’s welfare, representation and empowerment.

National Resistance Movement Secretary General Richard Todwong congratulated Ruyondo and the incoming executive, urging them to champion women’s welfare and strengthen their participation in national affairs.

The new leadership takes over from Kibowa’s administration, which has overseen the council since 2018.