The Nnaabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, has cautioned women against the pursuit of quick riches and short-term thinking, urging them to instead focus on sustainable approaches to development and wealth creation.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 2025 Buganda Women’s Convention held at the Kabaka’s Palace in Mengo, Nagginda stressed that the obsession with fast money continues to undermine long-term prosperity among women in Uganda.
“Short-term thinking and the desire for instant wealth are traps that many women fall into. We must break free from that mindset if we are to achieve real and lasting empowerment,” she said.
The annual convention, now in its ninth edition, ran under the theme **“Let’s Continue Supporting Women’s Work for Sustainable Development.”** It brought together hundreds of women from Buganda’s counties, representatives of various faiths, and female leaders from both the Buganda Kingdom and central government.
By 10:00 a.m., attendees had filled the palace grounds, their presence marked by vibrant cultural and religious attire: brown *gomesi* for county representatives, yellow for Catholic women, white for Mothers Union, blue for Adventists, and purple for Pentecostals.
The Nnaabagereka’s arrival before dawn sparked chants and ululations that echoed throughout the palace, setting the tone for a highly spirited gathering.
During her address, Nagginda also encouraged women to unite and adapt to modern technologies to access better markets for their products.
“Technology is not a threat. When embraced wisely, it can be a powerful tool to enhance women’s businesses and improve livelihoods,” she noted.
Hajjat Mariam Mayanja Nkalubo, Buganda’s Minister for Community Development, Natural Resources, and Gender, echoed the Nnaabagereka’s call for long-term planning. She urged women to invest in sustainable ventures such as land and real estate.
“Instead of focusing on short-term profits, let us consider investments that can support us and our families for generations,” Nkalubo said.
Sarah Nkonge, Chairperson of the Women’s Convention, applauded the Nnaabagereka’s consistent advocacy for women, describing her as a “pillar of strength” whose leadership has helped women navigate and overcome economic and social challenges.
The Buganda Women’s Convention remains one of the Kingdom’s flagship platforms for amplifying the voices of women, highlighting their achievements, and addressing barriers to their development.
