2026 polls: Women call for an end to election violence

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Women have called for an end to election-related violence, citing its role in discouraging female candidates from running for office and fueling a rise in gender-based violence.

Women argued that a more secure and inclusive political environment is essential for equitable participation in democratic processes.

At the launch of the 2026–2030 Women’s Manifesto on April 29, 2025, the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) highlighted how persistent electoral violence has turned politics into a male-dominated arena, discouraging women from participating.

The 2026–2030 Women’s Manifesto has therefore outlined key issues women want political leaders to prioritize during election campaigns. Launched under the theme 'Her Voice', the manifesto was unveiled at a high-level event held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

A central message from the manifesto is the urgent need to end election-related violence, which continues to deter many women from participating in politics.

“Violence against women in politics was a significant barrier during the 2021 elections, with reports of assault and intimidation undermining women's confidence to run for office,” the document notes.

The manifesto calls for strict enforcement of laws that prevent political violence and discrimination, and for political parties to adopt internal sexual harassment policies.

State minister for gender and culture,  Dr. Peace Mutuuzo stated that women in the political space, especially at district level suffer more violence than their male counterparts which has made female participation for district representation in parliament minimal.

“Women who are in politics, especially in district representation have suffered more violence than their male counterparts. This is the biggest challenge we face as women in the political space,” Mutuuzo said.

According to the minister,  the open seats have been labeled men’s positions, in that any woman that comes up vying for it, is brought down by men. Mutuuzo called for inclusivity for a fair representation of both genders in the country.

She also emphasized the need to change societal perceptions about the roles of women and girls, urging stakeholders to adopt the gender priorities highlighted in the 2026–2030 Women’s Manifesto.

“Even in our political space, when a woman breaks the social norms, when she raises to a certain ladder, men gang against this woman. Gender equality and empowerment of girls must not be an afterthought. Give women 50% and give men 50% that is all we want. One woman representative in parliament from the district against one man” Mutuuzo explained.

What others say

National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Rubongoya also  called for removal of what he termed as persistent barriers preventing women from participating in politics, pointing to election-related violence and the high cost of running for office.

He said violence, often inflicted by state security forces, creates a hostile environment for female political aspirants.

He highlighted the emotional and physical toll elections have on women, especially those aligned with opposition parties.

Beyond violence, Rubongoya underscored the prohibitive cost of politics as a major hindrance to women’s participation.

He said many women are unable to afford the high nomination fees required to stand for elective positions, further excluding them from the political process.

Relatedly, Sarah Opendi, the chairperson of the Uganda Women’s Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), expressed concern over the growing intolerance in the country’s political space.

She emphasized the need for mutual respect in a multi-party democracy, urging stakeholders to allow individuals from all political affiliations equal opportunity to express their views.

“There is a lot of multi-party dispensation and we must respect decisions of everyone,” she said, cautioning against selective media access and unfair treatment of opposition voices.

Opendi also raised alarm over the rising trend of gendered disinformation and hate speech, which she described as a new form of violence targeting women in politics.

She noted that the use of artificial intelligence to create manipulated images aimed at humiliating female leaders has discouraged many women from participating in political life.

“You get into politics, they undress you,” she said, calling for stronger measures to curb such digital abuse.

Other demands in the National Women’s Manifesto

The 2026-2030 National Women’s Manifesto has called for increased investment in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. Women have demanded a 15% health budget allocation, improved maternal health services, and greater access to affordable care.

In education, they emphasized the need to address barriers like early pregnancies and unsafe school environments, while advocating for digital literacy and re-entry policies for pregnant girls.

Economically, the manifesto urged reforms to land ownership laws, passage of the Marriage and Divorce Bill, and elimination of the “pink tax.”

On climate justice, women seek inclusion in decision-making and funding for gender-responsive programs. Finally, the manifesto demands gender parity in leadership positions and stronger civic education to challenge harmful social norms.