Born: 1950s (Sipi, Kapchorwa)
Biography:
Jane Frances Kuka is a Ugandan educator, anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) activist, politician, and former Member of Parliament for Kapchorwa in Uganda’s sixth parliament (1996 – 2001). She was born as Jane Frances Yasiwa in Sipi, Kapchorwa in the 1950s to Miriam Chelangat.
Kuka’s educational journey began at Gamutui Primary School, where she completed her primary education. In 1966, she enrolled at Nyondo Teachers College in Mbale and graduated as a qualified teacher in 1969. She furthered her studies at Ggaba Teachers College, where she became a grade three teacher.
In 1969, Kuka started her career as a music teacher at Gamutui Primary School, where she dedicated herself to shaping young minds through education. Her passion for teaching led to her promotion as the Principal of Kapchorwa Teachers’ College in 1988.
Kuka’s involvement in politics started with unsuccessful attempts to run for Parliament in the 1989 elections and the Constituent Assembly elections in 1994. However, her determination paid off when she was elected as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kapchorwa, representing the constituency in Uganda’s sixth parliament.
During her tenure as a Member of Parliament, Kuka served as the State Minister for Gender and Community Development from 1996 to 1998. In 1999, she was appointed as the State Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees. She also worked as the President’s deputy principal private secretary.
Apart from her political career, Kuka is widely recognized for her tireless activism against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As the principal of Kapchorwa Teachers College in 1988, Kuka faced great opposition as she opposed the resolution of the Kapchorwa District Council, which made FGM mandatory. Her stance against FGM led to attempts on her life, but she remained steadfast in her fight against this harmful practice.
Kuka’s efforts in raising awareness about FGM have earned her the nickname Heroine of the Female Genital Mutilation fight. She has been a passionate advocate on the international stage, speaking out against the practice and working towards its eradication. Kuka refers to FGM as Female Genital Cutting, as she believes that the term Female Genital Mutilation sounds too harsh and fosters defensiveness.
In her personal life, Kuka married Steven Kuka in 1972.
Awards and Recognition:
– In 2012, Kuka was honored with the Distinguished Order of the Nile – Class 4, a civilian award, in recognition of her activism against Female Genital Mutilation.
– In 2013, she received the Tumaini Lifetime Achievement award for her remarkable fight against Female Genital Mutilation.
Jane Frances Kuka’s unwavering dedication to education, activism, and political service has made her a prominent figure in Uganda’s history. Her commitment to improving the lives of women and challenging harmful practices has left a lasting impact on society.