Africa-Press – Uganda. Leading women’s rights advocates and political figures have launched the 2026/2030 Women’s Manifesto with a call for urgent action to eliminate the entrenched barriers that continue to hinder women’s full participation in Uganda’s political sphere.
Unveiled under the theme “Her Voice”, the manifesto outlines pressing concerns including torture of opposition figures by security agencies, gender-based violence, economic exclusion, and the increasing harassment of women—especially online.
Organised by the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) with support from civil society actors and political leaders, the launch signals a fresh push to place women’s rights at the centre of Uganda’s electoral agenda ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Sarah Opendi, the Woman MP for Tororo District, warned that digital platforms—though intended to enhance participation—have become tools of abuse.
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Women Launch 2026 Manifesto
Demand End to Political Violence and Gender Inequality
“Social media has become a weapon used to harass and discourage women in leadership. We need strong laws to protect them,” she said.
National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Louis Rubongoya echoed this concern, noting that while many women express interest in standing for office, they are often discouraged by threats of torture, intimidation, and character assassination.
“Many come to us with hope, but they later withdraw in fear. This must change,” he said.
At the heart of the manifesto is a demand for equal representation.
UWONET Executive Director Rita Aciro called for at least 50% women’s inclusion in all leadership structures, arguing that women, who make up 51% of Uganda’s population, are consistently sidelined despite their contributions to the economy and society.
The manifesto also prioritises peacebuilding, anti-corruption measures, digital literacy, and inclusive governance.
Aciro stressed that these elements are essential for ensuring that women’s voices are heard and respected in all areas of national development.
“This is not just about women’s participation in politics. It’s about dismantling the systemic injustices that silence women’s voices in every sphere,” she said.
As the country moves closer to the 2026 polls, UWONET and its allies are urging political parties, the Electoral Commission, and security agencies to commit to concrete reforms.
These include protecting female candidates from political violence, allocating fair campaign financing, and adopting legal reforms that criminalise online abuse and institutional discrimination.
The Women’s Manifesto is expected to serve both as a guide for political parties and a tool for citizens to hold leaders accountable on gender equity.
Women’s rights activists say they are determined to monitor how well the promises of inclusivity are upheld—and to ensure that the call for “Her Voice” becomes a national commitment rather than a campaign slogan.
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