Former Vice President Dr. Specioza Naigaga Wandira Kazibwe, a trailblazer in Uganda’s politics and healthcare, is recovering in hospital following a car accident in Wakisi village on the Njeru-Kayunga road.
Uganda’s former Vice President, Dr. Specioza Naigaga Wandira Kazibwe, narrowly escaped serious injury after the vehicle she was traveling in suffered a tire blowout, causing it to crash into a utility pole. The accident occurred in Wakisi village along the Njeru-Kayunga road.
Dr. Kazibwe, 69, was accompanied by 17-year-old Louis Igapira Wandira when the incident happened. Fred Kayongo, the driver of the Toyota Land Cruiser, lost control of the vehicle after a front tire burst, leading to the crash. Both Dr. Kazibwe and her companion were rushed to the hospital, where they are reportedly receiving medical care.
As Uganda’s first female Vice President and the first woman in Africa to hold such a position, Dr. Kazibwe has been a symbol of progress and empowerment. Serving from 1994 to 2003, she has been instrumental in shaping policies that address gender equality and healthcare.
A trained surgeon, Dr. Kazibwe has also served as Uganda’s Minister of Gender and Community Development, advocating for women’s rights and addressing issues affecting vulnerable populations. Internationally, she is known for founding the African Women Committee on Peace and Development in 1998, further cementing her commitment to advancing women’s roles in peacebuilding and development.
Currently a Senior Presidential Advisor on Health and Population, Dr. Kazibwe remains a vital voice in policy discussions, particularly on healthcare reforms and population management.
The accident has drawn attention to the ongoing concerns about road safety in Uganda, particularly the risks posed by tire blowouts and vehicle maintenance. Authorities have urged drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to road safety standards to prevent similar incidents.
As Dr. Kazibwe recovers, the nation reflects on her resilience and the indelible mark she has left on Uganda’s political and social landscape.
