Beatrice Birungi Kiraso is a Ugandan politician known for her involvement in the political landscape of Uganda and the East African Community (EAC).[1] She has been involved in public service for over two decades as a member of parliament for Kabarole district, the Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community, and as a lecturer at Makerere University [2] [3]
Kiraso was born in Kiburara village, Hakibale Sub-county, Kabarole District, Uganda. She is the first of ten children born to the late Edison Amooti Rusoke Kiraso.[4] Her educational journey began at Kiburara Primary School, followed by Nyakasura School for her O-Level and Kyebambe Girls’ School for A-Level. In 1981, she attended Makerere University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Social Administration in 1984.[5] She also holds a MA in Public Administration and a master's degree in Public Policy Management from Havard University.[6]
In 1996, Kiraso was elected unopposed as the Member of Parliament for Kabarole District, a position she held due to her extensive community work and empowerment initiatives.[7] She was a member of Uganda's National Assembly and has served on the Budget Committee in Uganda's Parliament.[8] After a nine-year hiatus from elective politics and a brief retirement, Kiraso returned to the political arena to support presidential hopeful Gen Henry Tumukunde. She played a key role in his campaign, advocating for a “Renewed Uganda” with the slogan "It is Possible".[9] [10]
Kiraso served as the Deputy Secretary General in Charge of Political Federation for the EAC. During her tenure, she completed two three-year terms and was instrumental in fast-tracking the efforts for the East African Federation and advancing the political integration of the EAC member states.[11] [12]
Kiraso's spearheaded efforts to harmonise standards for the East African Community and establishment of East African political federation processes, hence the nickname "Mama Federation".[13] In 2016, she was invited to run for the position of Executive Secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region because of her experience in regional affairs and conflict resolution.[14] [15]