By Pious Nsajja
Every year on March 8th, Uganda joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day—a day of reflection on the achievements of women in all spheres of life.
Speeches are made, banners are raised, and promises are reiterated. Yet, beyond the annual fanfare, the reality remains grim: gender inequality continues to hold Uganda back.
If the country is serious about progress, women’s empowerment must stop being a ceremonial talking point and instead become a lived reality, backed by action, resources, and commitment.
Women’s empowerment is not just about economic growth or social inclusion—it is a fundamental human rights issue. Education, healthcare, political representation, and economic opportunities should not be privileges for a few but guarantees for all women.
Uganda has ratified numerous international and regional human rights agreements affirming gender equality, yet women continue to face systemic discrimination, gender-based violence, and economic marginalization.
The persistent gaps in access to resources and opportunities are not only unjust but also detrimental to national development.
The National Development Plan III (NDP III) rightly recognizes that gender equality is central to Uganda’s economic transformation. It acknowledges that women’s participation in leadership, business, and education is essential for national progress.
However, these policies remain largely aspirational. The gender wage gap persists, women remain underrepresented in decision-making, and cultural barriers continue to dictate the limits of their potential.
The government must go beyond policy documents and implement affirmative action measures that actually work. Investing in gender-responsive budgeting, creating economic opportunities tailored to women, and enforcing labour rights are not just optional strategies—they are necessities.
Uganda’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, is another pledge that rings hollow without concrete action. Women still bear the burden of unpaid care work, struggle to access land and credit, and remain disproportionately affected by poverty.
Without targeted interventions to dismantle these barriers, Uganda’s development goals will remain out of reach.
The Maputo Protocol, one of Africa’s most progressive human rights instruments, demands gender equality in education, economic participation, and political leadership while also safeguarding reproductive health rights.
Uganda has made some legislative progress, but weak enforcement continues to render these laws ineffective. Gender-based violence remains widespread, with countless survivors denied justice due to systemic failures in law enforcement and the judicial system.
The full implementation of the Maputo Protocol must be prioritized—not as an obligation to international bodies but as a commitment to Uganda’s own future.
Political representation is another area where Uganda has taken steps forward but still falls short. Women have been appointed to leadership positions, yet their presence alone does not guarantee influence.
Structural and cultural barriers still hinder their ability to make meaningful contributions. Uganda must move beyond tokenism and ensure that women in leadership are not just visible but empowered to drive change.
Women’s empowerment cannot be achieved through rhetoric alone. It requires concrete actions:
1. Full implementation of legal frameworks – Laws protecting women’s rights must be enforced with stronger accountability mechanisms.
2. Investment in women’s economic empowerment – Funding should be directed toward women entrepreneurs, financial inclusion, and access to credit.
3. Gender equality in leadership and decision-making – Women’s representation must be strengthened through affirmative action and leadership training.
4. Stronger responses to gender-based violence – Survivor-centered services, access to justice, and efforts to challenge harmful norms must be prioritized.
5. Engagement of men as allies – Gender equality is not a women’s issue; men must actively participate in dismantling the stereotypes and structures that perpetuate discrimination.
Uganda cannot afford to treat gender equality as an afterthought. Without meaningful action, the cycle of inequality will continue to slow down progress and limit the country’s potential.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, let this not be another moment of empty words. It is time for bold steps to ensure that every woman and girl in Uganda can live with dignity, freedom, and opportunity. The time for action is now.