FOWODE raises sh500m for Imara Girls Centre

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A fundraising campaign that was started by The Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) and Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) has raised ush500m. 

The money will be used to construct the Imara Girls Centre in Kasangati Town council, Wakiso district.

According to FOWODE Executive Director Patricia Munabi, the fundraising campaign to build the centre is the reason why they held the second edition of the festival that took place at Kati Kati restaurant on Saturday.

She said they started fundraising for the money during the first edition of the festival that took place at the same place. 

“In June, we held a VIP fundraising dinner at Kampala Serena Hotel and we raised over sh200m. We have also been urging the public to contribute to the cause,” she said.
She also said that they have made a partnership with Evolving Woman, Uganda to see that they raise more money for the project. 

“All women that subscribe to Evolving woman will be contributing sh10,000 per month to see that we raise more money for the centre. Evolving Woman is a movement that builds women to live to their full potential as God intended them to, through confidence building and self-awareness

She said the project is on course as they have already secured the land in Kasangati Town Council where the centre will built and it will be used to skill and empower the girl child. 

Karole Kasita performs at the Imara Girls Festival. (Credit: Alfred Byenkya)

“It will offer a space for reflection, learning, networking, nurturing, healing, and self-care while promoting women’s creativity and innovation,” she added.

The event was graced by Miss Uganda Natasha Nyonyozi, Miss High School Maureen Nagayi, Miss Uganda first runners-up Sureya Umemah and Keezi Entertainment chief executive officer Brenda Nanyonjo.

Nyonyonzi told New Vision that she came to be part of the festival because she is a woman working hard to empower fellow women through activities like this.

“I came to support women entrepreneurs who are exhibiting their goods and services at this festival,” she said.

Nanyonjo advised young women to do whatever they can to get skills that will help them make money.

“There are a lot of opportunities for young women in the creative sector and other sectors of the Ugandan economy,” she said.

Reach a Hand Executive director Humphrey Nabimanya said the event was held in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child that was held on October 11.
 
The event mainly featured female performing artistes including Karole Kasita, Rachael Rey, Laika Music and Nina Roz.

The theme of the event was “investing in women, unleashing their potential”.