Uganda’s Rebecca Kadaga, the Minister of East African Community Affairs has been awarded the “African Award for Good Governance”, for her role in fostering transformative leadership and tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment.

Kadaga, who is also the 1st deputy prime minister, was decorated at the prestigious African Heritage Awards on April 13,2025 at the Savoy Le Grand Hotel in Marrakech, Morocco, Africa.

From opening Uganda’s first female-led legal chambers in 1984 to becoming the country’s first female Speaker of Parliament, Kadaga has continually shattered ceilings and rewritten what is possible for women in African politics.

Her commitment to accessible justice, especially through the Legal Aid Clinic of FIDA, has uplifted thousands of marginalized women.

Her powerful acceptance speech reflected her lifelong ethos: “Leadership is not about titles or accolades; it is about the impact we make in the lives of others.”

A beacon for inclusive leadership and gender equality, Kadaga’s recognition is not just a personal achievement: it is a national and continental triumph.

Among others, the finest leaders awarded on that night were Nigerian former president H.E Jonathan Good Luck, Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba and others.

The African Heritage Awards, hosted annually, serve as a tribute to African excellence, celebrating individuals who have made transformative contributions to their communities. The event highlights the importance of culture, leadership, and collaboration in shaping Africa’s future.

Kadaga’s award underscores the significance of good governance in driving progress and unity. It is a recognition not only of her achievements but also of the collective strides made by Ugandan women in breaking barriers and shaping the nation’s destiny.