The economic contributions of rural women in Uganda often go unrecognized, despite their critical role in sustaining the country’s agriculture and informal trade.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), women comprise over 75% of the agricultural labor force, contributing significantly to food production and rural development.
From tending gardens to managing market stalls, rural women ensure a steady flow of agricultural products, keeping local economies dynamic and resilient.
However, despite their immense contributions, rural women face persistent barriers, including limited land ownership and inadequate access to credit facilities.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development reports that only 28% of women in Uganda own agricultural land, a statistic that highlights the entrenched gender inequality in land rights.
"I’ve worked on our family farm for over 20 years, but as a woman, I still don’t have a say in how it’s managed,” shares Janet Nankunda, underscoring the need to empower women with decision-making power and asset ownership to enhance their economic and social standing.
Aidah Mugoya, Secretary for Gender and Community Services in Butaleja, echoes this sentiment: "As we celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, let's remember that women aren’t just food producers; they are leaders and decision-makers too. We must fight for equal land rights and dismantle discriminatory practices."
Beyond agriculture, rural women are pivotal in shaping Uganda’s informal economy, with women-owned enterprises accounting for approximately 40% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), as reported by the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA).
Village savings and loan associations (VSLAs) have played a transformative role, enabling women to launch small businesses and improve household incomes.
“Through our VSLA, I’ve managed to open a small grocery store, pay my children's school fees, and even build a new home,” says Lydia Katushabe, a VSLA member from Kasese, showcasing the impact of community-based financial empowerment.
Programs such as the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP) and NGOs like ActionAid are advancing rural women’s economic growth by offering training in agribusiness, financial literacy, and access to credit.
As women’s rights advocate Melissa Asiimwe notes, “Empower rural women to reducing poverty and driving national development.”
For Uganda to truly harness the potential of its rural women, continued investment is necessary to address the structural challenges they face and allow them to realize their full economic potential, fueling the nation's growth and prosperity.