Beatrice Kiraso
Beatrice Birungi Kiraso | |
|---|---|
| Born | Beatrice Birungi Kiraso Kiburara Village, Hakibale Sub-county, Kabarole District, Uganda |
| Other name | Mama Federation |
| Education | Kiburara Primary School; Nyakasura School; Kyebambe Girls’ School |
| Alma mater | Makerere University; Harvard University |
| Occupations | Politician, public administrator, lecturer |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Employer(s) | East African Community; Makerere University |
| Known for | Former Member of Parliament for Kabarole District; Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community; advocacy for East African Federation |
| Title | Deputy Secretary General in Charge of Political Federation |
| Parent | Edison Amooti Rusoke Kiraso |
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
Kiraso 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.[4] She also holds a MA in Public Administration and a master's degree in Public Policy Management from Harvard University.[5]
Career
In 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.[6] She was a member of Uganda's National Assembly and has served on the Budget Committee in Uganda's Parliament.[7] 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".[8][9]
Contributions to the East African Community
Kiraso 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.[4][10]
Legacy and influence
Kiraso's spearheaded efforts to harmonise standards for the East African Community and establishment of East African political federation processes, hence the nickname "Mama Federation".[6] 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.[11][12]
References
- ↑ "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.
- 1 2 3 "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.
- 1 2 "Beatrice Kiraso: 'EAC political integration is on right course'". The New Times. 2012-05-08. 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.
- ↑ "Govts frustrating EAC intergration". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ↑ "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.