Uganda has lost one of its most outspoken voices against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) following the death of Jane Frances Kuka, a former Minister of State for Gender and Culture. Kuka passed away early Monday morning at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, her family confirmed. Relatives revealed that she had been battling illness for some time.
Kuka’s journey began in Sipi, Kapchorwa District, where she grew up before attending Gamutui Primary School. In 1966, she enrolled at Nyondo Teachers College in Mbale and later advanced her training at Ggaba Teachers College. By 1969, she was already shaping young minds as a music teacher at Gamutui Primary School. Nearly two decades later, in 1988, her dedication to education saw her rise to the position of Principal at Kapchorwa Teachers’ College.
Her influence, however, extended far beyond the classroom. Though her first attempts to enter politics in 1989 and again in 1994 were unsuccessful, she went on to secure a seat as Woman Member of Parliament for Kapchorwa in the sixth parliament from 1996 to 2001. During this time, she served as State Minister for Gender and Development and later as State Minister for Disaster Preparedness in 1999. Years later, in 2007, she returned to her home district to serve as Resident District Commissioner of Kapchorwa.
Kuka earned national and international recognition for her tireless campaign against FGM, a harmful cultural practice deeply rooted in parts of eastern Uganda.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to teaching, leadership, and the fight for women’s rights. To many in Kapchorwa and across Uganda, Kuka will be remembered as a fearless advocate who transformed personal conviction into lasting change.
