KAMPALA – Uganda’s Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) has issued a press statement to commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, emphasizing the need to end electoral violence and accelerate inclusive leadership.
As Uganda joins the world to mark International Women’s Day under the theme ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ FOWODE reaffirmed the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers to women’s leadership while addressing the escalating threat of electoral violence.
FOWODE’s vision is a Ugandan society where women and men equally participate in and benefit from decision-making processes in public and private spaces. Despite Uganda’s legal frameworks promising equality, women face hostility when vying for leadership seats, especially direct seats.
“As an organisation that promotes women’s participation in political leadership and on behalf of the women’s movement in Uganda, we strongly condemn the recent electoral violence marked by the heightened tensions and brutality witnessed during the ongoing Kawempe North by-election campaigns,” FOWODE stated in a statement.
The organization noted that such violence not only violates people’s rights but also breeds apathy among women, undermines democracy, equality, and national progress.
FOWODE emphasized that ensuring women’s full enjoyment of human rights is the bedrock of leadership, and it is critical that women have the same opportunities as men to lead, free from structural discrimination.
“Affirmative action has enabled women to attain the 30% minimum representation in politics, but it has also created a glass ceiling, given that women have never surpassed 35% representation in Parliament.”
The organization pointed out that Uganda’s 11th parliament has 33.8% female representation, with only 7.4% having won direct seats. The situation is worse at the Local Government level, where only 5 women (3.42%) serve as LCV Chairpersons compared to their 141 male counterparts (96.58%).
FOWODE’s 2021 post-election report, “Deterred Not Barred,” highlighted that over 60% of women candidates in the 2021 elections reported deeply entrenched stereotypes, unequal power dynamics, and intimidation, including threats of sexual violence and property destruction, deterring them from campaigning.
“We urge all stakeholders to recommit to rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls. We cannot achieve progress when half the population fears violence or is sidelined by prejudice,” FOWODE urged.
The organization called for immediate action to create a safe, inclusive environment where women’s leadership is celebrated, protected, and empowered.
“We have the opportunity to rise and demand action to make the world equal and better for everyone. Let us unite to demand peaceful elections where citizens and particularly women, participate equally, freely and safely.”
FOWODE also emphasized the need to invest in systems that protect, mentor, and elevate women leaders, ensuring Uganda meets its constitutional and global commitments.
“Finally, we urge citizens to observe law and order throughout the election period and encourage candidates to exercise mutual respect. Together, we can build a Uganda where every woman and girl thrives, leads, and shapes the future.”
