Specioza Kazibwe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Speciosa Kazibwe
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Kazibwe in 2015
|
|
| 6th Vice President of Uganda | |
| In office 18 November 1994 – 21 May 2003 |
|
| 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 and surgeon. 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. People sometimes call her "Nnalongo" because she has twins. In 2013, the United Nations chose her to be a special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Speciosa Kazibwe was born in Iganga District, Uganda, on July 1, 1954. She went to Mount Saint Mary's College Namagunga, a well-known boarding school for girls. This school is near the town of Lugazi.
Studying Medicine
In 1974, she began studying medicine at Makerere University School of Medicine. She earned her first medical degree in 1979. Later, she continued her studies at the same university. She specialized in General Surgery and earned a master's degree in medicine. In 2009, she received a special Doctor of Science degree from Harvard School of Public Health.
Speciosa Kazibwe's Career
Speciosa Kazibwe started her political journey while still at university. From 1975 to 1976, she was a student leader at Makerere University. This role was similar to a university president.
Early Political Steps
She joined the youth and women's groups of Uganda's Democratic Party. In 1987, she won her first election as a village leader. She was part of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Later, she became the Women's Representative for Kampala District. She also helped lead 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.
In 1994, she helped write Uganda's new constitution. She was a member of the Constitution Assembly. In 1996, she was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kigulu South in Iganga District.
Becoming Vice President
From 1994 to 2003, Speciosa Kazibwe held two very important jobs. She was Uganda's Vice President and also the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. She was the first woman in Africa to become a vice president.
Supporting Women in Africa
Kazibwe has always worked to improve the lives of women in Africa. In 1998, she helped create the African Women Committee on Peace and Development (AWCPD). She has been the leader of this group. The AWCPD helps women take part in making peace and developing their countries.
She has also been a leader or member of many 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) gave her the "Ceres Medal." This award recognized her efforts to help people get enough food and reduce poverty.
Personal Life
Speciosa Kazibwe has four children, including twins. She has also adopted several other children. In 2003, she decided to step down from her government roles. She wanted to focus on her studies and completed a doctorate degree at Harvard University.
Images for kids
-
Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe (center, middle row)
See also
In Spanish: Specioza Kazibwe para niños
