Specioza Kazibwe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Speciosa Kazibwe
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Kazibwe in 2015
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| 6th Vice President of Uganda | |
| In office 18 November 1994 – 21 May 2003 |
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| President | Yoweri Museveni |
| Preceded by | Samson Kisekka |
| Succeeded by | Gilbert Bukenya |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 July 1954 Iganga, Uganda |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Alma mater | Makerere University |
Speciosa Naigaga Wandira Kazibwe, born on July 1, 1954, is a famous Ugandan politician. She made history as the first woman in Africa to become a Vice President of a country. She served as Uganda's sixth Vice President from 1994 to 2003.
Besides her political career, Kazibwe is also a skilled surgeon. People sometimes call her "Nnalongo" because she has twins. In August 2013, the United Nations chose her to be a special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. This role meant she helped lead efforts against the disease across the continent.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Speciosa Kazibwe was born in the Iganga District of Uganda on July 1, 1954.
Schooling and University Studies
She attended Mount Saint Mary's College Namagunga, a well-known boarding school for girls. This school is located near the town of Lugazi in Uganda. In 1974, she began studying medicine at Makerere University School of Medicine. She earned her first medical degree, called a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, in 1979.
Later, she continued her studies at Makerere University. She earned a Master of Medicine degree, specializing in General Surgery. In 2009, she received a Doctor of Science degree from Harvard School of Public Health. This shows her dedication to both medicine and public health.
Political Journey and Achievements
Speciosa Kazibwe started her political journey while still at university. She was a chairperson for student housing at Makerere University from 1975 to 1976. This role was similar to a student body president.
Early Political Roles
She later joined the youth and women's groups of the Ugandan Democratic Party. Her first election win was as a village leader in 1987. She ran under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. After that, she was elected as the Women's Representative for Kampala District. She also led the advisory team for Yoweri Museveni's election campaign.
Serving in Government
Kazibwe began working for President Yoweri Museveni's government in 1989. She was first appointed as the Deputy Minister for Industry until 1991. From 1991 to 1994, she served as the Minister for Gender and Community Development. She also helped write Uganda's new constitution in 1994 as a member of the Constitution Assembly.
In 1996, she was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kigulu South in Iganga District. From 1994 to 2003, Kazibwe held the important roles of Uganda's Vice President and Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Advocacy for Women in Africa
Kazibwe has always been a strong supporter of women's rights in Africa. In 1998, she helped create the African Women Committee on Peace and Development (AWCPD). She also chaired this organization. The AWCPD works to help women take part in peace and development efforts across Africa.
She has also been part of several other important groups, including:
- The Senior Women's Advisory Group on the Environment
- The Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited
- The Uganda Women Doctors Association
- Agri-Energy Roundtable Uganda (AER/U)
In 1998, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) honored her with the Ceres Medal. This award recognized her efforts in improving food security and reducing poverty.
Personal Life and Later Studies
Speciosa Kazibwe has four children, including twins from her first marriage. She has also adopted several other children.
In 2002, Kazibwe decided to end her marriage. She later stepped down from her government positions on May 21, 2003. She explained that she wanted to focus on her studies. She then completed her doctorate degree at Harvard University.
Images for kids
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Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe (center, middle row)
See also
In Spanish: Specioza Kazibwe para niños
