By Aggrey Baba
On March 3, 2025, a remarkable gathering unfolded in Uganda’s Parliament, where over 500 women leaders from across the country came together to present 29 resolutions ahead of International Women’s Day celebrations.
This was not just anothr political event but a significant moment in the nation’s ongoing quest for gender equality. The session was filled with passion, resolve, and a clear call for tangible change, with one powerful voice leading the charge, Hajat Faridah Kibowa, the Chairperson of the Uganda National Women’s Council (UNWC).
Presiding over the session as Speaker for the day, Kibowa exemplified leadership and commitment to the cause of women’s empowerment. In her presence, the entire session was a vivid reflection of the age-old proverb of [When the lion’s share is too much for one, the lion’s roar becomes louder to be heard by all]. Kibowa’s leadership ensured that no woman’s voice went unheard, and every issue of concern was laid on the table for serious deliberation.
Hajat Faridah Kibowa has long been a towering figure in the women’s rights movement in Uganda. Her role as the Chairperson of the Uganda National Women’s Council places her at the heart of national discussions on women’s issues.
Under her leadership, the Council has worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of women, advocating for policies that ensure their participation in economic, social, and political life. Kibowa’s work is rooted in the belief that when women are empowered, entire communities benefit.
She has championed the role of women in peacebuilding, health, and education, emphasizing that the development of any nation is incomplete without the full inclusion of its women. Through her initiatives, many women across Uganda have been given a platform to speak, to lead, and to thrive.
Kibowa’s leadership during this pivotal event reflected the profound impact she has had in the women’s movement. The resolutions presented on that day were a collective effort, born from discussions and deliberations by women leaders from Uganda’s districts.
They spoke with one voice, advocating for issues that impact women from all walks of life. As Kibowa began her speech, she set the tone for the session by acknowledging the progress women have made in the country.
However, she stressed that the journey was far from over. [We are like the river that flows to the sea, but the journey is long and filled with obstacles]. Kibowa emphasized that the path to full gender equality requires continued effort, persistence, and action.
Among the resolutions that resonated most strongly during the session was the call for a review of the affirmative action policy that has been in place for the past 30 years. While this policy has undeniably played a crucial role in increasing women’s representation in Parliament, there was widespread agreement that it no longer adequately meets the needs of Uganda’s women.
Some delegates proposed that women MPs should be limited to two terms in office to allow for fresh leadership, while others argued for an overhaul of the entire policy to make it more reflective of the evolving political landscape.
State Minister for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, was quick to question the fairness of limiting only women MPs to two terms, pointing out that such a rule should apply equally to male MPs if it were to be implemented. Rather than focusing on term limits, Mutuuzo suggested a more comprehensive review of the affirmative action framework to ensure better representation for women.
This sparked a lively debate among the delegates, but there was a consensus on the need to ensure that women’s voices continue to be heard at all levels of government.
Another central issue raised was the need to enhance gender parity in decision-making bodies, particularly within the executive, judiciary, and local governments. Women leaders called on the government to ensure that women are well-represented in these spheres, not only in Parliament but also in the leadership of various institutions across the country.
[The sun does not rise in one place], as the saying goes, and similarly, the call for women’s inclusion in decision-making should not be confined to Parliament alone. It must extend to all areas of governance if Uganda is to truly progress as a nation.
There was also widespread support for a proposal to reduce the high financial burden associated with participating in political campaigns. Women, especially in rural areas, are often excluded from the political process because of the prohibitively high costs involved in running for office.
The session emphasized that electoral campaigns must become more accessible to women, with financial barriers dismantled to allow more women to compete and succeed.
The session also made a compelling case for the government to implement a zero-tolerance policy for gender-based electoral violence, which has been a significant challenge for women in politics. Women who participate in politics often face harassment, intimidation, and cyberbullying, creating a hostile environment that discourages many from pursuing their political ambitions.
The delegates stressed that the government must take firm legal action against perpetrators of such violence to ensure that women can participate in the political process without fear of retribution or abuse.
Another important resolution centered around the protection of girls who become pregnant while still in school. It was proposed that the government must take proactive steps to ensure that pregnant schoolgirls are allowed to continue their education without fear of expulsion or stigmatization.
This resolution highlighted the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and social mobility, and the delegates called on the government to allocate at least 20% of the national budget to the education sector to make this a reality.
The need for gender-responsive school infrastructure was also emphasized, particularly the provision of separate sanitation facilities, menstrual hygiene management programs, and support for girls who face challenges in accessing education due to their gender.
The delegates also raised the issue of gender-based violence, both in schools and in society at large. They called for stronger enforcement of policies that combat sexual harassment, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse. A demand for better support systems for survivors of gender-based violence was also central to the resolutions.
They urged the government to strengthen mechanisms for reporting abuses and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The theme of accountability ran throughout the session, with a strong emphasis on the need for the government to act decisively to end gender-based violence in all its forms.
Speaker Anita Among, who was present during the session, lent her voice to these crucial discussions. She called on the women leaders to remain focused on the issues affecting women at the grassroots level. “The village woman is the backbone of our society,” she said, urging the delegates to continue advocating for the rights of rural women.
Among highlighted domestic violence, harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation, early pregnancies, and rape as some of the most critical issues that need to be addressed in order to improve the welfare of women in Uganda. Her message was that women must be at the center of national development, and it is up to the leaders to ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are hard.
This session, under the leadership of Hajat Faridah Kibowa, represented a significant moment in Uganda’s political landscape. It was a call to action, urging the government and society to take bold steps to eliminate barriers to women’s participation in all spheres of life.
[The bird does not fear the hunter, because it knows that its wings will carry it far] Kibowa reflected the determination of the women present to continue their fight for justice, equality, and empowerment.
With these resolutions, the women of Uganda have once again shown that they will not be silenced, and they will continue to advocate for a future where women are not just participants in society, but leaders in every sense of the word. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
