Beatrice Birungi Kiraso is a Ugandan politician known for her involvement in the political landscape of Uganda and the East African Community (EAC).[1] She has been involved in public service for over two decades as a member of parliament for Kabarole district, the Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community, and as a lecturer at Makerere University [2][3]
Early life and education
editKiraso was born in Kiburara village, Hakibale Sub-county, Kabarole District, Uganda. She is the first of ten children born to the late Edison Amooti Rusoke Kiraso.[4] Her educational journey began at Kiburara Primary School, followed by Nyakasura School for her O-Level and Kyebambe Girls’ School for A-Level. In 1981, she attended Makerere University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Social Administration in 1984.[5] She also holds a MA in Public Administration and a master's degree in Public Policy Management from Havard University.[6]
Career
editIn 1996, Kiraso was elected unopposed as the Member of Parliament for Kabarole District, a position she held due to her extensive community work and empowerment initiatives.[7] She was a member of Uganda's National Assembly and has served on the Budget Committee in Uganda's Parliament.[8] After a nine-year hiatus from elective politics and a brief retirement, Kiraso returned to the political arena to support presidential hopeful Gen Henry Tumukunde. She played a key role in his campaign, advocating for a “Renewed Uganda” with the slogan "It is Possible".[9][10]
Contributions to the East African Community
editKiraso served as the Deputy Secretary General in Charge of Political Federation for the EAC. During her tenure, she completed two three-year terms and was instrumental in fast-tracking the efforts for the East African Federation and advancing the political integration of the EAC member states.[11][12]
Legacy and influence
editKiraso's spearheaded efforts to harmonise standards for the East African Community and establishment of East African political federation processes, hence the nickname "Mama Federation".[13] In 2016, she was invited to run for the position of Executive Secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region because of her experience in regional affairs and conflict resolution.[14][15]
References
edit- ^ "I’m not prostitute, says Kiraso". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Kiraso's fitting farewell". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Uganda fronts Kiraso for ICGLR executive secretary". www.newtimes.co.rw. 2016-01-22. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Kiraso's journey from retirement to running Tumukunde's campaign". Monitor. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Kiraso's journey from retirement to running Tumukunde's campaign". Monitor. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "I want to give others chance â€" MP Kiraso". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ Reporter, Times (2012-05-08). "Beatrice Kiraso: 'EAC political integration is on right course'". The New Times. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ Nakkazi, Esther. "Harvard Trained Economist to Fast-track East African Federation". The EastAfrican.
- ^ "Why history of flip-flopping might come back to haunt Tumukunde". Monitor. 2020-08-21. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Tumukunde launches pressure group". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Kiraso's journey from retirement to running Tumukunde's campaign". Monitor. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Govts frustrating EAC intergration". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-04-09.[dead link]
- ^ Reporter, Times (2012-05-08). "Beatrice Kiraso: 'EAC political integration is on right course'". The New Times. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Uganda Nominates Beatrice Kiraso for ICGLR Top Job". ChimpReports. 2016-01-22. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ Eyotaru, Olive. "Government Fronts Kiraso for ICGLR Job". Uganda Radio Network.