Legislators under the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) have been urged to use targeted legislation, equitable resource distribution and strong representation to dismantle structural inequalities affecting women and girls.
The call was made during UWOPA’s induction program for Members of the 12th Parliament at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where leaders emphasized the caucus’s role in shaping gender-responsive laws and policy.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth, in remarks presented by Bukanga North County MP Nathan Byanyima, praised UWOPA as Parliament’s most enduring caucus and pushed for action on pending legislation.
“UWOPA has been the most enduring and influential Parliamentary group since its inception in 1989. I urge Members to push for the logical conclusion of several draft laws that have been initiated under its auspices,” Speaker Oboth-Oboth said.
He also commended male MPs for joining UWOPA and asked them to back gender equality efforts.
“I commend the membership of male legislators in the Association, and urge them to be strong allies in the pursuit of gender equality and inclusivity,” he added.
UWOPA Chairperson Sarah Opendi raised concern over rising violence against women and girls, urging the 12th Parliament to increase funding to the justice sector in order to reduce case backlogs.
“I express concern with the level of violence against women and girls, and encourage the 12th Parliament to support the justice law and order sector to clear cases of domestic violence that lag due to lack of resources to conclude investigations,” Opendi said.
Former MP Winnie Matsiko, a founding member of UWOPA, called on female legislators to centre women’s experiences in lawmaking and strengthen mentorship platforms.
“Engender legislative processes and create an awareness platform for women to share experiences and build capacity,” Matsiko said.
Westminster Foundation for Democracy Country Representative Joseph Munyangabo called for stronger performance and accountability among UWOPA members to ensure effective delivery of the caucus’s mission.
UWOPA also received commendation from UN Women Uganda Deputy Country Representative Adekemi Ndieli, who urged lawmakers to pass legislation that bridges gaps between communities and government in achieving gender equality.
The induction is aimed at equipping women MPs with strategies to advance gender equality as the 12th Parliament begins its work.
