Summary:
Hon. Mukyala Mary, District Woman Councillor for Namutumba District questioned what the police are doing to protect female politicians, especially those in opposition, citing the recent Kawempe by-elections, where women were reportedly brutalized without any action taken against the perpetrators.
JINJA: Women leaders have urged the Uganda Police to take proactive measures to reduce violence against contestants before, during, and after elections.
The call was made during the Regional Women Leaders’ Summit on Women’s Civic Engagement in Jinja District, which brought together women leaders (Local Council 3 and 5), activists, media, technocrats, civil society, and policymakers. The summit, held under the theme “Empowering Women: Navigating Progress and Transformative Shifts in the Civic Space,” focused on increasing women’s participation in electoral processes and leadership.
Ms. Irene Namuyingo, LCIII Woman Councillor from Kamuli District, shared her personal ordeal of police brutality during the last elections, which has left her fearful of contesting again. She urged the police to ensure a safer political environment for all candidates.
Similarly, Ms. Batuvamu Annet, District Councillor for Namutumba, emphasized the importance of the police maintaining law and order in the upcoming 2026 general elections. She also called for an end to harassment, bribery, and intimidation, which discourage women from joining politics.
Hon. Mukyala Mary, District Woman Councillor for Namutumba District, raised concerns about the perceived police bias in favor of certain political parties. She questioned what the police are doing to protect female politicians, especially those in opposition, citing the recent Kawempe by-elections, where women were reportedly brutalized without any action taken against the perpetrators.
Ms. Kabukaire Sarah, Returning Officer for Buikwe District, emphasized the crucial role of women in democratic governance. She outlined key electoral guidelines, opportunities, and challenges faced by women, stressing the importance of gender-sensitive voter education.
“The Electoral Commission designs voter education messages for all categories of voters women, youth, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). However, efforts are made, depending on funding, to specifically address misinformation and biases against these groups to promote equality before the law,” she elaborated.
Ms. Julian Naluwooza, Programme Coordinator for Women’s Leadership at UWONET, encouraged women leaders to develop their own manifestos aligned with the Women’s Manifesto 2026-2030. She urged them to:
- Implement action plans to turn commitments into tangible change.
- Support and uplift each other to strengthen women’s leadership at all levels.
- Uganda Police Acknowledges Electoral Violence Against Women
SP Agnes Nampiija from the Uganda Police acknowledged that women’s political participation whether as voters, candidates, election officials, or campaign managers has increased globally. However, Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) remains a major obstacle.
“Women face violence in various electoral roles, from harassment and intimidation to physical attacks. These acts undermine democracy and discourage women from participating in politics,” she stated.
She emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving security agencies, civil society, and human rights organizations to eliminate gender-based electoral violence.
“Ensuring women’s safety and equal participation in elections is a shared responsibility. We must strengthen response mechanisms and foster collaboration to create an inclusive, secure electoral environment,” she added.
In her closing remarks, Angella Asiimwe, a Human Rights Lawyer, urged women leaders to stay engaged, amplify their voices, and claim their leadership spaces as Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections.
She highlighted persistent barriers to women’s political participation, including:
- Gender bias and systemic inequalities
- Financial constraints
- Misinformation and political intimidation
“Women’s leadership must go beyond numbers it must influence policies and create lasting change,” she stated.
She further encouraged women to:
- Support and mentor each other in leadership.
- Advocate for policies promoting gender equality and social justice.
- Implement strategic action plans to increase political participation.
The summit concluded with a strong commitment from women leaders to break barriers and take bold steps in leadership. As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, these women are stepping up fearlessly, boldly, and together because when women stand together, they rise together.
