Beyond Expectations: Women Thrive in Ugandan Politics and Development
Historically, women in Uganda faced significant barriers to leadership and participation in public life. Traditional gender roles often confined women to domestic duties and agricultural work, with limited say in community decisions. Some cultural practices further marginalized women, while the period following Uganda’s independence in 1962 and up to 1986 was marked by mistreatment and disrespect of women, including acts of violence.
A turning point came after 1986, with the rise of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The government began to promote women’s rights, aligning with constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination as enshrined in Articles 21, 33, 32, and 274 of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution. These articles provide a legal framework for women to contest for any political position.
Since then, women’s representation in Ugandan politics has steadily increased. Under President Museveni’s leadership, Uganda has had two female Vice Presidents out of five. In the current term (2021-2026), several key government positions are held by women, including the Speaker of Parliament (Anita Annet Amongi), the Prime Minister (Robbina Nabbanjja), and both the First and Third Deputy Prime Ministers. Over one-third of cabinet ministers are women, demonstrating a significant shift in political representation. The cabinet consists of 32 Cabinet ministers and 50 Ministers of State. President Museveni has publicly acknowledged women’s hard work, trustworthiness, and their perceived lower susceptibility to corruption compared to men.
Uganda’s leadership structure includes Parliament and local governments, encompassing 174 districts. Each district is led by a Local Council Chairperson (LCV). While women are encouraged to contest for any seat, specific positions are reserved for them, including a woman Member of Parliament for each district and regional female youth and women district councilors from each sub-county.
Women are eligible to contest for any constituency seat or local councils alongside men. However, due to various factors like societal norms and financial constraints, fewer women run for and win these open seats.
Despite these advances, challenges remain. Out of 174 LCV chairpersons in 2021-2026 term, only 5 are women, highlighting the continued struggle against traditional stereotypes that hinder women’s political advancement. Some women, however, have successfully challenged these stereotypes.
Jemimah Tumwijukye Buhanda, the 72-year-old chairperson of Shema district, is one such example. A mother, grandmother, teacher, counselor, and a person with a disability, Buhanda’s long history of leadership, including serving as an LC1 and LCII chairperson, culminated in her election as LCV chairperson Sheema district in 2021, where she defeated three male contenders. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and the need for men to support their wives’ aspirations.
Buhanda explains how many people discouraged her including her husband claiming that contesting with men is wastage of resources since they expected her to lose because she was a woman.
“many discouraged me not to waste money including my husband but when am focused am unstoppable and no wonder he is now enjoying fruits of my service and proud of me”
She challenges women to come out showcase their abilities confidently to beat such stereotypes and ask men to always encourage and support their wives instead of bringing them down.
Another inspiring story is that of Winnie Shine Ninshaba Matove, the LCIII chairperson of Kamwenge Town Council in Kamwenge district. After her husband, who won the election, passed away before swearing in, she contested against three men and won.
“When my husband died people trusted me to take over because I was active during his political campaigns which I did because I was able”
Ninshaba attributes her courage to the women’s emancipation promoted by President Museveni’s government. She believes women’s leadership brings loyalty, mercy, transparency, and honesty.
“Women are merciful to all kind of people because are mothers and most importantly we use funds transparently and hard for a woman to take a bribe we are loyal and honest”
Besides these brave women who contest in open positions with men Ugandan government provides women a chance to participate in parliamentary run as a district representative from each district
While progress has been made, the journey towards full and equal participation of women in Ugandan society continues. The success stories of women like Buhanda and Ninshaba, coupled with government initiatives, demonstrate a positive trend, but further efforts are needed to overcome persistent challenges and ensure that all women have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
attribution: this story was sponsored and first published by www.africanchangestories.org
