Jessica Alupo and Winnie Byanyima named among Africa’s most influential women for their impact in 2024

Uganda’s Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has been named one of Africa’s most influential women. This honor was given by Avance Media, a top Public Relations and Rating Firm in Africa, as part of the 6th edition of the 2024 “Most Influential African Women” list.

The list recognizes women who are making a big impact in their communities and across the continent.The 2024 list includes women from 32 African countries. Nigeria has the highest number of honorees with 22, followed by Kenya with 12, South Africa with 7, and Rwanda with 5.

Among the honorees are six female vice presidents, one prime minister, a deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, and a deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Vice President Alupo has been recognized for her leadership and efforts to empower women. Besides being Uganda’s Vice President, she is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District, where she works to improve women’s lives and promote gender equality. Her recognition shows how women leaders in Africa are making a difference.

The selection for the 2024 list was based on leadership skills, personal achievements, efforts to share knowledge, breaking social barriers, and being a role model for African women.

Alupo joins other notable figures, including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Grammy-winning artist Angelique Kidjo, activist Fariba Nabourema, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

In Uganda, Alupo’s influence is widely recognized. Last year, President Yoweri Museveni awarded her the “Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa,” the country’s highest civilian honor.

This award, created in 2001, recognizes people who have contributed significantly to Uganda’s growth. Past recipients include famous leaders like Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere and Jakaya Kikwete, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

During the award ceremony, President Museveni praised Alupo’s hard work and dedication to national service, especially in promoting women’s empowerment. He described her as a symbol of hope and leadership in Uganda.

Alupo has also represented Uganda on the international stage. She was recently invited to speak at the 4th Eurasian Women’s Forum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The forum, themed

Another Ugandan woman, Winnie Byanyima, the UNAIDS Executive Director, was also named among Africa’s most influential women. Their inclusion in the Avance Media list highlights the rising role of African women in leadership, business, media, sports, and other fields. It also serves as motivation for young women aiming to make a difference.

The 2024 “Most Influential African Women” list not only celebrates achievements but also encourages future women leaders. By recognizing figures like Vice President Alupo, it shows the importance of perseverance, dedication, and working towards equal leadership opportunities.

Uganda is proud of this recognition, and Alupo’s story remains an inspiration for many, proving that strong leadership can bring lasting change both in Uganda and internationally.