Women leaders have hailed the last 30 years of governance under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for prioritising gender inclusion, citing increased representation of women in key government positions.
As the country prepares to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, leaders attending a national women’s convention said progress has been registered in elevating women into decision-making roles.
Speaking ahead of the celebrations, Betty Amongi, the minister for Gender, said empowering women is essential for national development. She noted that increasing women’s participation in economic activities and improving their access to education are critical for strengthening their role in society.
“Empowering women is building the nation. There are two key things that must be prioritised. We must economically empower women and ensure they have opportunities to access better education,” Amongi said.
Amongi also urged women to embrace digital technologies, noting that the world is increasingly driven by innovation and digital systems. She said technological skills will play a key role in shaping the future of women and their participation in the economy.
The convention attracted participants from government, political parties and civil society organisations to discuss challenges and opportunities facing women.
According to organisers, women currently hold 48% of permanent secretary positions in government, 34% of seats in parliament and 45 ministerial positions in cabinet. Participants said these figures reflect growing efforts to include women in leadership.
However, speakers noted that several challenges still affect women across the country.
Faridah Kibowa, the chairperson of the Uganda Women’s Council, acknowledged government efforts to support women but warned that domestic violence remains a major concern.
“Some women still feel inferior and have been left behind. Many fear standing for political positions, and this is something that must change,” she said.
She urged government institutions and civil society organisations to intensify campaigns aimed at addressing gender-based violence and empowering women to participate fully in public life.
At the same meeting, Rose Namayanja, the deputy secretary general of the NRM, encouraged women in politics to compete for direct parliamentary seats rather than relying mainly on the district woman MP positions.
“My fellow women, you must learn to be aggressive in all positions of leadership. Good things do not come on a silver plate. You must fight for them,” Namayanja said.
