Irwata Josephine: P.3 Drop Out Who Beat Incumbent MP to Lead NRM in Kotido District

By Richard Onapatum

 

KOTIDO

 

In Kotido, where political leadership has long been dominated by men, Irwata Josephine has reshaped expectations. Her victory over the incumbent Kotido Municipality MP Lomwar Muhammed to become NRM Vice Chairperson for the district is not just a political achievement—it is a powerful statement that women can lead, regardless of their background or education.

 

At 49 years old, Irwata’s rise is nothing short of extraordinary. A P3 dropout from Nariamlira in Lokitelebu Subcounty, she grew up in a society where education determined success. Women, especially those from rural communities, were rarely encouraged to pursue leadership positions. The unwritten rule was clear: politics was for men.

 

Yet, she refused to accept those limitations.

 

“I never imagined myself in this position,” she says. “In my community, women were told leadership wasn’t for them. But I knew I had to try—not just for myself, but for every woman who has been overlooked.”

 

What makes Irwata’s rise even more inspiring is how she defied cultural norms, economic challenges, and self-doubt to position herself as one of Kotido’s most influential leaders.

 

Breaking Barriers Through NARWOA’s Training

 

Despite her natural leadership abilities, Irwata lacked the confidence to enter politics. That changed when she joined Nakere Rural Women Activists, an organization dedicated to empowering women in pastoralist communities through skills training and leadership development.

 

It was at NARWOA that Irwata learned the foundational skills that would transform her approach to leadership.

 

– Public speaking, overcoming fear and articulating her vision with confidence

– Leadership strategies, navigating political processes, campaigning, and mobilizing support

– Community engagement, connecting with voters, understanding grassroots issues, and advocating for policies

 

“NARWOA gave me the strength to believe in myself,” Irwata explains. “Before the training, I never thought I could stand in front of people and speak. Now I stand before crowds and speak for women, youth, and the marginalized.”

 

Her success is not an isolated case—NARWOA has trained hundreds of women across Kotido, equipping them with the tools to step into leadership roles, achieve financial independence, and influence governance.

 

The Transformation: From Learner to Leader

 

Irwata took her training seriously. For two years, she served as a Women’s League Representative, advocating for women’s rights, political inclusion, and economic opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

 

Her rise to leadership was not just a result of self-determination—it was a reflection of the growing movement for women’s empowerment in Kotido.

 

“I started small,” she recalls. “I would meet with women in villages, talk to them about their concerns, and help them understand their rights. It was through those conversations that I realized how important it was to have women in leadership positions.”

 

Her leadership extended beyond advocacy—she also worked closely with community-based women’s groups, encouraging them to join SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) to gain financial independence.

 

Her efforts did not go unnoticed. When the opportunity came for her to run for NRM Vice Chairperson, she had already built a solid foundation of support among women, youth, and marginalized groups in Kotido.

 

“I knew the journey would be tough,” she says. “But I also knew that if I won, I wouldn’t just be winning for myself—I would be winning for every woman who has been told she can’t lead.”

 

Jessica Ruth Ataa: NARWOA’s Executive Director on Women’s Leadership

 

Jessica Ruth Ataa, Executive Director of NARWOA, sees Irwata’s victory as a breakthrough moment for women’s representation in Kotido.

 

“Our goal is to equip women with the skills and confidence to lead,” Ataa explains. “Irwata proves that leadership is not about education—it is about vision and resilience. Her success will inspire more women to step forward and challenge the status quo.”

 

Ataa believes that women’s political participation is essential for community development, adding that Irwata’s leadership will motivate more women to contest for political seats in future elections.

 

“We have trained hundreds of women, but there is still work to be done,” she says. “Irwata’s win is just the beginning—her leadership will encourage more women to push for representation.”

 

A Vision for Inclusive Leadership

 

Now, as NRM Vice Chairperson, Irwata is determined to empower more women and ensure they benefit from government programs.

 

Her priorities include:

– Encouraging women to join SACCOs, ensuring financial independence

– Removing barriers to women’s participation in governance and economic opportunities

– Ensuring grassroots communities are represented in decision-making

 

“I don’t want to be the only woman in leadership,” she says. “I want other women to see themselves as leaders, decision-makers, and policy influencers.”

 

Beyond her immediate goals, she hopes to create a lasting support system for women, proving that they can lead and shape policies at every level of governance.

 

Irwata’s Impact: Voices from Women She Inspired

 

Irwata’s leadership has already made a difference. Many women who have been influenced by her journey are beginning to step forward, entering local governance, community leadership, and business development programs.

 

“She showed us that we don’t have to be silent,” says Anna Lokiru, a small-business owner in Kotido who joined a women’s training group after hearing Irwata speak at a community event.

 

“I used to think politics was not for women,” says Rose Nakiru, a mother of four who benefited from NARWOA’s financial training programs. “But seeing Irwata win made me realize we can be part of decision-making.”

 

A Story of Strength and Possibility

 

Irwata’s victory transcends politics—it is a movement, a shift, and an inspiration for future generations.

 

Her journey proves that leadership is not about privilege—it is about determination. Without formal education, she built her own path, relying on resilience, mentorship, and the courage to challenge barriers.

 

With her new role, she is committed to amplifying women’s voices, ensuring Kotido’s leadership reflects the strength of its women.

 

“I want women to know that no matter where they come from, they have the power to lead,” she says. “It’s time for more women to step forward, challenge expectations, and make their voices heard.”

 

Irwata Josephine’s success is more than just her own—it belongs to every woman who refuses to be silenced, overlooked, or underestimated.

 

Her journey is not just a story. It is a revolution—one that will shape the future for women in leadership across Uganda