Widows Appeal to President Museveni for Support
Widows under Ruth Ministries Association in West Ankole Diocese have called on President Yoweri Museveni to support their skilling projects which have stalled following the death of their patron the late Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut former presidential advisor on public relations.
The widows gathered at Butsibo Church of Uganda in Sheema Municipality formed the association in 2023 to empower themselves and improve household incomes. The group which has over 200 members has been engaged in crafts such as basket weaving, pottery and mats production.
Vice Chairperson Grace Mwebaze explained that members previously sold their products at Ntambiko Crafts Centre owned by Karooro. However, the centre closed after her passing leaving the women without a market.
Mary Mugisha, a widow from Butsibo Church of Uganda expressed concern that many members are struggling to provide for their children amid the setbacks.
Rev. Amon Tumusiime, parish priest of Butsibo Church of Uganda noted that widows are often neglected after losing their husbands as they no longer fit into the Mothers’ Union. He urged local leaders to intervene.
Ruth Ministries was established by Karooro to unite widows facing hardships. Members say Karooro had promised to personally introduce them to the president to seek more support, a promise they hope the government will now fulfill.
