Source: New Vision
Five women who have excelled in various categories of activities have been recognized by Warid Telecom for their notable contributions towards the country's development.

The group was hailed for their vital role played in various sectors including entrepreneurship, international services, sports social work, music and entertainment among others.

The telecommunication company organized the event under the theme: Warid Women of Substance Award.

The function was presided over by the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga and attended by many business women of Kampala at Theatre La Bonita on Wednesday on the eve of International Women's Day celebrations.

Among the five, Alice Karugaba took the award of outstanding entrepreneur Lady Justice Julia Ssebutinde for an outstanding Ugandan on the international scene.

Others were Suzan Muwonge for best sports personality, Judith Babirye for music and entertainment and Noeline Kaleeba for social work because of her exceptional fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

Kadaga reminisced that in the past, a woman was perceived as only a wife and mother material and never considered for attaining an education or a business, and explained how today, things have changed.

She commended the women for their courage and resilience in taking on various roles earlier thought of as for 'men alone.'

"I cherish the women of these day especially the business women who hop on the plane, travel to various destinations to negotiate, purchase and bring goods for sell in the country," Kadaga said.

"That shows courage and as indicated by the ever-growing number of business ladies in the country."

She called on other women out there to emulate the five women who have been recognized by Warid and others who have not been awarded but are impacting on the country's economic development.

Speaking at the same function, Warid Telecom Chief Commercial Officer, Shailendra Naidu commended the winners of the award in fighting poverty by involving themselves in various productive activities translating into economic development and household income generation.

He said the constitution of the award was a small gesture from the company so as to recognize and appreciate the spirit of Ugandan women as they celebrate the International Women's Day.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges who included Charles Ocici, the executive director, Enterprise Uganda; John Katende, senior partner, Katende Ssempebwa and Company; Jane Kasumba of Uganda Broadcasting Corporation and Barbara Katende, a communications specialist.

• Uganda