NUSDA Women's Conference Empowers Alur Female Students Amid Push for Greater Nebbi Unity

By Mike Rwothomio 

Nebbi, Uganda: In a vibrant gathering that underscored the rising role of women in education and leadership, the Nebbi University Students’ Development Association (NUSDA) hosted the second edition of its Women's Conference on Saturday, November 8, at Kyambogo University's CTF Building. 

Themed "She Rises, She Leads, She Inspires," the event drew female representatives from Alur student associations across Uganda's universities and tertiary institutions, fostering discussions on empowerment and holistic development.

Established as an umbrella body uniting Alur students in higher education institutions, NUSDA formally champions academic excellence, cultural preservation, and community upliftment for natives of the Greater Nebbi sub-region. 

Prominent daughter associations include; NEMSA - Makerere university, ALGUSA - Gulu university, AKUSA - Kyambogo, AMIUSA - Metropolitan international university, NEPASA - UCC Pakwach, MUASC - Muni University, BUASA - Busitema University, NEMUBBSA - Mubs, AISA - ISBAT, ALSA - KIU Ishaka, MHASA - Mengo hospital, ALKIUSDA - KIU Kampala, NUCUSA - UCU, ANUSA - Nkumba, .

This area encompasses districts such as Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, forming a cultural and ethnic heartland for the students from the region.

The association's roots trace back to efforts by former DEO Mr Kura Vasco and stakeholders to see to it an umbrella association for more unity and impact through initiatives like school outreach programs and other community activities where the members get to be agents of change in their communities.

 NUSDA's inaugural Women's Conference in November 2024 set the stage for this follow-up, reflecting a strategic focus on gender equity amid broader goals of socio-economic transformation.

Recent Alur kingdom-led campaigns, such as sports-integrated HIV testing drives in October 2025, highlight ongoing battles against gender-based violence, child marriage, and health stigmas.

 Partnering with NUSDA, the kingdom amplifies these efforts, while collaborators like Youth Zenith Uganda , a youth-focused initiative bridge generational gaps in advocacy and skill-building.

The one-day conference zeroed in on pressing challenges facing young women, blending keynote addresses with interactive panels to deliver actionable insights.

 Prominent speakers included Mr. Edison Okumu, Dr. Hassan Okecha, and Mrs. Monicah Oyeki, whose expertise illuminated pathways to resilience. 

Panel sessions featured student representatives from diverse institutions, alongside voices of Youth Zenith Uganda and NUSDA leadership, creating a forum for peer-to-peer exchange.

Core topics addressed included: Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Skills: Strategies for economic independence, drawing on real-world examples from Alur entrepreneurs. Financial Literacy: 

Practical tools for budgeting and investment in resource-scarce settings. Relationships and Academics/Profession: Navigating personal dynamics alongside career ambitions. 

Sexual and Reproductive Health: Candid talks on rights, access, and stigma reduction, aligning with Ker Alur's anti-GBV initiatives.

Attendees hailed the event as a "catalyst for change," with one participant noting, "This isn't just talk, it's the spark we need to lead our communities forward."

Organized through a collaborative effort of NUSDA,Alur Kingdom, and Youth Zenith, the organizers say the conference exemplifies cross-stakeholder synergy. 

"We continue to work hand in hand with our stakeholders and all natives of Greater Nebbi for the greater good," Ms. Okwaimungu Precious Fancy, the NUSDA secretary in charge of women affairs said, affirming plans for expanded outreach. 

Future endeavors aim to deepen individual growth while tackling societal hurdles like youth unemployment and health disparities in the sub-region.