By Rhona Batamukuwa Kazungu
Since time immemorial, many societies have considered women and the roles they play inferior to those of men. Because of the patriarchal nature of these societies, women were expected to adhere to the demands of the male figures in their communities. This meant that in many cases, they were excluded in important economic, political, and sometimes social decision-making processes.
Unfortunately, the cultural landscape in Uganda mirrors this; in the Ganda community for example women that were not from the royal family were looked down upon and not permitted to get involved in activities that men participated in. Women were generally considered minor in the sense that they were not allowed to inherit property from their spouse, they had to have a male guardian who had authority over her and was responsible to the legal system for the way she behaved.
At the time Uganda obtained her independence from the British Government, the involvement of women in politics was a strenuous process that hindered them from effectively participating in decision making, governance, and leadership.
The Women’s movement in Uganda traces its history back to the colonial period and activities under the first Milton Obote regime; 1962- 1971. Sadly, the movement was suppressed by Idi Amin and re-emerged under Obote’s second regime.
The National Council for Women was created as a response to a United Nations resolution, an initiative of the UN decade for women. The NWC was placed under the Ministry for Community Development but unfortunately, it lacked independence and the government used the very decree under which it was established to limit the formulation and registration of efficient and progressive NGOs.
When the National Resistance Movement came into power in 1986, it opened up many opportunities that have enabled more women to participate in politics- from the local to the national level. This was done through the inclusion of affirmative action policies in Uganda’s legislation beginning with the addition of the Affirmative Action clause in the amended constitution. The clause reads,
“Notwithstanding anything in this constitution, the State shall take affirmative action in favor of groups marginalized based on gender, age, disability or any other reasons created by history, tradition or custom to redress imbalances which exist against them” (Article 32.1)
In a bid to increase women’s political representation at the time the NRM government took over, it decreed that one woman in each district would represent the National Resistance Council. Women such as Joan Kakwenzire who was appointed to a six-member commission to document abuse by the military were also involved in the National Resistance Army present-day Uganda People’s Defense Forces.
The president also appointed Joyce Mpanga as Minister for Women and Development in 1987, who on behalf of the government proclaimed its intention to improve the livelihoods of women. Her efforts in the formulation of a gender-sensitive constitution that protects women allowing them direct participation in Uganda cannot go unnoticed. One of the first results of her input was Uganda celebrating its first international women’s day in 1985.
Under the NRM government, the first female Vice President of Uganda Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe was appointed into the office from 1994-2003. The regime created an environment in which women civil servants and professionals- were able to form Action for Development, an organization that aimed to assist women in war-torn areas such as the devastated Luwero region in central Uganda after the 1986 Liberation War and various areas of Northern Uganda in the aftermath of the LRA war.
Today, women occupy several top positions in Uganda’s central government, government bodies, and parastatals. For instance; we have Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and the Inspector General of Government Hon. Beti Kamya. The appointment of these great women to these positions of power took the percentage of female representation on the political scene from 27%-43%.
In its 36 years in power, the NRM government has lived up to its promise of freedom for all Ugandans, including women. As we celebrate this year’s Liberation Day, it is important to reflect on the progress women have been able to record due to the government’s emphasis on the representation, inclusion of and respect for women. The various policies formulated and implemented have ensured that women rise to positions where they can positively influence legislation to improve the social and economic stance of all women in Uganda.
The writer works with Ministry of ICT& NG
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