By Aggrey Baba
A new nationwide opinion poll has placed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja ahead of other prominent female politicians as the most preferred woman to become Uganda’s first female president.
The survey, carried out between March and May this year in 45 districts across all 17 sub-regions by the NewVision, targeted Ugandans aged 18 and above who hold valid national IDs.
When asked who they would vote for as Uganda’s first female president, 15.3% of respondents mentioned Nabbanja, placing her at the top of the list.
She was followed by Vice President Jessica Alupo (8%), Speaker of Parliament Anita Among (7.1%), and former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga (3.9%).
Others who featured in the poll included Hon Jane Ruth Aceng, Mukono’s Betty Nambooze, IGG Betty Kamya, and former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima also scored highly despite being absent from the local political scene for several years.
But beyond the numbers, the poll exposed a deeper struggle within Ugandan society where, while 65% said they would be willing to vote for a woman president, 27% clearly stated that Uganda is not yet ready for such leadership.
Many respondents cited long-held beliefs that women are too emotional or lack the authority to lead a nation. Others said leadership at presidential level remains a man’s area, while some pointed out the absence of strong female political grooming and financial backing as a reason few women step forward.
In northern Uganda, Aceng came out strongest, commanding 15.6% support in that region alone. Meanwhile, Nabbanja had steady support in Bunyoro and parts of the west, while Kadaga maintained visibility in the east.
In the central region, Byanyima and Among received moderate support, with urban respondents showing more openness to the idea of female presidency compared to rural areas.
While Uganda has seen women rise in several high-ranking positions (from Vice President Alupo to Speaker Among and Premier Nabbanja) no woman has ever come close to winning a presidential election.
Past female candidates like Miria Obote (2006), Maureen Kyalya (2016), and Nancy Kalembe (2021) all contested, but performed poorly, often lacking both party backing and financial muscle.
Interestingly, some voters listed First Lady Janet Museveni as a potential candidate, even though she has never expressed interest. Others mentioned Winnie Kizza, NRM’s Phiona Nyamutoro, and MP Betty Amongi as potential future contenders.
