Uganda Marks Widows Day Amid Renewed Calls to End Property Grabbing
The national event was held on Tuesday at All Saints University Lango – Canon Lawrence Campus in Boroboro, Lira City, under the theme “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows,” drawn from Isaiah 1:17.
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Uganda Marks Widows Day Amid Renewed Calls to End Property Grabbing
BY DOREEN GRACE ACIPA
LIRA CITY: Leaders, religious figures, and advocates have renewed calls for stronger protection of widows' rights, an end to property grabbing, and greater economic empowerment during Uganda’s 2026 International Widows Day commemoration.
The national event was held on Tuesday at All Saints University Lango – Canon Lawrence Campus in Boroboro, Lira City, under the theme “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows,” drawn from Isaiah 1:17.
Speaking at the commemoration, Kabale District Woman MP Enid Origumisiriza Atuheire expressed concern over the continued violation of widows’ rights, particularly through property grabbing by relatives following the death of a spouse.
She said many widows continue to face poverty, social exclusion, and difficulties accessing education for their children due to loss of property and inheritance disputes.
Origumisiriza urged widows to seek legal protection by applying for letters of administration and highlighted the impact of the Succession (Amendment) Act, 2022, which strengthened inheritance rights for widows and removed discriminatory legal provisions.
Drawing from her personal experience as a widow, the legislator encouraged women to embrace entrepreneurship and take advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and the Uganda Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme to improve their livelihoods.
She also praised the Church of Uganda’s Ruth Ministry, launched in 2025, for providing spiritual, social, and economic support to widows across the country.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, reaffirmed the church’s commitment to supporting widows through counselling, prayer, savings groups, and income-generating projects.
Bishop Olwa warned communities against excessive borrowing, noting that high-interest loans have left many families vulnerable to losing their property and falling deeper into financial distress.
Church of Uganda Provincial Family Life and Mothers’ Union Coordinator Rev. Barbara Mujisha said widows have often remained invisible despite facing serious social and economic challenges.
She called on local leaders, legal practitioners, and communities to ensure justice for widows, especially in cases involving inheritance disputes and property grabbing.
Representing the Uganda AIDS Commission Board, Sister Dr. Mary Grace Akiror highlighted the vulnerability of women to HIV/AIDS and urged continued efforts to fight stigma and improve access to treatment.
Akiror said Uganda remains committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through sustained awareness campaigns, treatment programmes, and community-based interventions.
The annual International Widows Day commemoration is observed worldwide to highlight the challenges faced by widows and to advocate for policies that protect their rights and improve their welfare.
This year’s event underscored the need for stronger legal safeguards, economic empowerment, and community support to improve the lives of widows across Uganda.
