She is the chairperson of the National Women's Council and Member of Parliament for Gomba County, but believes she is just beginning her career

Ms Najjemba Muyinda beat senior legislator Mr Kalule Sengo in the NRM primaries and went on to become the new Member of Parliament for Mpigi District.
Born to Mr Samuel Muganga and the late Ms Muganga of Maddu sub-county Kabulasoke, Muyinda attended Bat Valley Primary School until 1986. She then went to Kitante Hill School for her 'O' level and Progressive Secondary School for 'A' levels before joining Makerere University in 1993.

She graduated with a degree in History and Political Science in 1997. Last year she completed her Masters degree in public administration and management from Makerere University.
Married to Mr Herbert Muyinda, the two have three children.

Muyinda, whose matrimonial home is in Kyengera, Kampala District has always nursed grand plans for her home area, which could only be realised if she became a Member of Parliament.

"I always thought of something I could do to develop my home area. Gomba has always been looked at as a very remote and backward constituency," she said.
But the new legislator also wanted to contribute to policies that affect the plight of women.

NEW BROOM: Muyinda wants to serve for only one term in parliament. Photo by John Nsimbe

"I realised that being the chairperson was not enough .All the policies and laws are made in parliament. I wanted to add my voice to the voices of many women to fight for our cause." Muyinda wants the government to highlight the plight of women and give them first priority.

She has worked closely with the Ministry of Health through UNICEF to ensure women get the tetanus toxoid vaccine.

"We have mobilised women to take their children for immunisation, encouraged pregnant women to have treated mosquito nets and participated in malaria control programmes," she said.

Muyinda is actively involved in the economic empowering schemes, which the government supports, like the famous Nigiina. "The president promised to support Nigiina last year during the presidential campaigns. The women are eagerly waiting to see that he delivers on his pledge," Muyinda said.

"Nigiina has now become my home name. I encouraged women in the country to come together and form groups and they have in the end fought poverty," she said. Adding, "People now donate cows and this instils a spirit of cooperation."

Hardly six months in the august house and the legislator has already decided she will not seek another term. "Women should give way for others so that they get the exposure. I do not believe in staying in one place for a long time. I don't want to block opportunities for other women," she said.

On her challenges in the national council, Muyinda says, "It is only on Women 's Day that you will sit near the president and that is when the National Council will be recognised. Things there are not forthcoming. After that you are forgotten I mean what is the use of putting in place institutions, which are not recognised?" she wonders.

To her the Local Government ministry did not properly incorporate women councils into the local governments. "Very few districts budget for the activities of women. Local Government and Women Councils run as parallel structures," she says.
It looks like Muyinda, seems bent on fighting for women's rights although she is not a women MP.
She explains that the National Women's Council was put in place for social, economic and civic empowerment of women.

However, the Electoral Commission communicated to the women councils that their elections would be conducted under multipartyism and on the same day with those of the Youth and LCs.

"If we are to have parties sponsor candidates, we are losing it all. We wanted the council to be a structure, which is not political. We feel the council should stay intact and this is a big threat to the women."

She says parties should not have been included in the women council elections. "We should think about the plight of women because when we carry the party to the council, we could destroy each and every achievement. We have written to the Attorney General, we need a redress."

The National Women's Council Act was put in place under the Movement system and has not been revisited.
"We need to see whether it is in line with multiparty dispensation. For now I think we should halt the elections," she said.

But it is not all about women; Muyinda has bigger plans for Gomba too. "I have started a campaign for food security and safe water. But I have written to the president and he has sent a team to see how they can get us water."

The environmentalist in her promises a huge campaign against environmental degradation and she also wants to promote health programmes to help in the fight against malaria, poor nutrition, and bad hygiene.

And the fears of venturing into a new field have gone past her already, "At first I was a little scared being in a multiparty parliament. I thought the NRM would be at loggerheads with those on the opposition but things are different and far better. It is good those in the opposition tolerate each other. There is a lot to learn from the opposition," she says.

Neither has there been any criticism that she deems unfair, "so far I have seen positive criticism. People here behave maturely," she said.

Being an NRM MP, Muyinda initially thought the party would guide the members on what they have to say in parliament and she was not comfortable, "If I am going to be asked to say what the government wants me to say, then why am I here?

We should all make a contribution. I do not believe in passing whatever government brings. As legislators, we should have the power to check on government. We should be critical," she said.