The Inter-Party Women Platform (IWOP) has undergone a leadership transition, with Irene Nasolo of the Ecological Party handing over the chairperson role to Alice Amony of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
IWOP, an umbrella organization uniting women activists from political parties such as the NRM, FDC, DP, ANT, the Ecological Party, and JEEMA, continues to champion greater female participation in Uganda’s political landscape.
However, during the handover ceremony, women activists expressed concern that female political participation could decline further ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Many cited a lack of support from their male partners—husbands and boyfriends—who pressure them to prioritize family responsibilities over political ambitions.
Outgoing chairperson Irene Nasolo voiced her frustration, stating, “With all the household responsibilities, when you return home late, your husband reprimands you. How can women sustain political ambitions under such circumstances? Our numbers will definitely go down.”
Her successor, Amony, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the challenge of balancing motherhood with politics.
“We are mothers; we have children who sometimes fall sick. How do you actively engage in politics when your child is unwell or hospitalized?” she questioned.
Beyond domestic pressures, the violence that often mars Uganda’s elections—ranging from intra-party contests to national polls—has discouraged many women from participating.
Nasolo pointed out that “women are physically weaker, and when they witness police brutality against politicians, they are discouraged from joining politics.”
IWOP is part of a broader initiative led by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) to increase the political participation of underrepresented groups. The facilitators emphasize that inclusive and diverse political engagement is crucial for a truly democratic society.
Primus Bahiigi, a key advocate, urged women to engage all stakeholders to foster peaceful elections.
“Women should take the initiative to engage the police, military, and their party leaders to ensure a violence-free election. We must minimize and eliminate electoral violence,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Amony pledged to push for policies that protect and empower women in politics.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections, IWOP and its partners continue to call for systemic reforms to create a more supportive environment for women in leadership.