EC’s Byabakama welcomes rise in women seeking elective office

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The chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Uganda, Simon Byabakama, has applauded the growing number of women expressing interest in elective leadership positions across the country, describing it as a positive sign for Uganda’s democracy.

Speaking as the chief guest on Sunday (March 8) during an International Women’s Day conference organised by Jackson Nyakoojo of Kijuura Revival Church in Masindi Municipality, Byabakama said the electoral body is witnessing a steady rise in women seeking to contest for public office.

“We are encouraged by the increasing number of women who are expressing interest in participating in elective leadership positions across the country,” Byabakama said.

Rogers Byamukama MP-elect Masindi Municipality joined by women to cut the cake in commemoration of the International Women's Day. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

“This growing confidence among women to step forward and seek leadership roles is an important pillar for strengthening our democracy.”

Changing face of political participation

For decades, women in Uganda faced significant barriers to full participation in political leadership, largely due to cultural attitudes, limited access to resources, and restricted opportunities within public decision-making spaces.

However, the situation has gradually changed over the years as constitutional reforms, affirmative action policies, and civic awareness campaigns have encouraged more women to take up leadership roles.

Today, women occupy positions across various levels of governance, including Parliament, local councils and national institutions.

According to Byabakama, the Electoral Commission has particularly observed an increase in the number of women picking nomination forms to contest for directly elected Member of Parliament positions, with many successfully winning competitive races.

“This is a very encouraging trend because it shows that women are not only participating through affirmative action positions but are also competing directly and winning,” he said.

Annual women’s conference

The conference, held under the theme “Favour and Influence,” brought together women leaders, clergy and community members to reflect on the evolving role of women in families and society.

“My message was about women elevating their role and importance not only in the home but also in their communities,” Byabakama told participants.

He encouraged women to continue building confidence, seeking leadership opportunities and contributing to the development of their communities.

Leaders hail women’s empowerment

Masindi Municipality MP-elect Rogers Byamukama said women empowerment efforts in Masindi and across the country are gaining momentum.

“Communities can only thrive when women are enabled to play their irreplaceable role of being the strong central pillars of our existence,” Byamukama said.

He noted that women’s leadership begins within the family, which he described as the first and most important unit of governance.

“If women can establish and run the first unit of governance, which is the family, then they can even do better in government itself,” he added.

Both Byabakama and Byamukama commended women for the critical role they have played in shaping Uganda’s progress over the years and pledged to continue supporting the gender equality agenda in their respective capacities.

Call for greater confidence among women

Hosting the event, Bishop Nyakoojo thanked the government for its efforts aimed at promoting equality, equity and justice for women across the country.

He said initiatives aimed at empowering women economically and socially have helped many families improve their livelihoods.

However, he urged for more deliberate efforts to encourage women and girls to overcome fear and embrace leadership opportunities.

“We must continue to encourage women and girls to step out of fear and an inferiority complex and rise into positions of influence with courage,” Nyakoojo said.

National Women’s Day celebrations

The Masindi conference came as Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day on March 8.

National celebrations were held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala under the global theme “Accelerate Action.”

The national event was presided over by the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, who represented Yoweri Museveni.

President Museveni was away in Tanzania for the 25th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State.

International Women’s Day is observed globally to celebrate women’s achievements while also drawing attention to challenges affecting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As celebrations unfolded across the country, leaders in Masindi emphasised that the growing participation of women in governance and community leadership signals a promising future for Uganda’s democratic and social development.