Former Leader of the Opposition Winnie Kiiza has cautioned women Members of Parliament against neglecting their families, warning that the demands of parliamentary office can strain marriages and personal relationships if not carefully managed.
Ms Kiiza made the remarks on Monday during an orientation and mentorship session for women MPs in the 12th Parliament organised by the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA).
She said many female legislators lose their marriages after being elected because the demands and status associated with public office often alter their priorities.
"Many women MPs have lost their marriages because they become big shots after winning parliamentary seats. Once you get to Parliament, you become a stranger at home and many marriages collapse. You must give time to your families because that is your first constituency," Ms Kiiza said.
The session brought together both newly elected and returning women legislators to discuss strategies for advancing issues affecting women and girls while effectively carrying out their parliamentary responsibilities.
Outgoing UWOPA Chairperson Sarah Opendi expressed concern over the continued low representation of women in top leadership positions and urged legislators to ensure women's issues remain central to parliamentary debates.
"The number of women in leadership is still low and that is not satisfying. I urge women MPs in this 12th Parliament to put women's issues on the agenda during debates. If we don't speak for ourselves, no one will," Opendi said.
State Minister for Public Service and Mbale City Woman Member of Parliament Lydia Wanyoto also addressed the gathering, expressing concern over what she described as male dominance in Parliament's top leadership structures.
"It is painful for women MPs to see Parliament leadership taken over by men. When committee and Parliamentary Commission leadership is elected, women should be prioritised. We must be on the table where decisions are made," Wanyoto said.
Kiiza also encouraged the legislators to embrace delegation and prioritise their well-being to avoid burnout caused by the demands of constituency work.
"Get people you trust to represent you at some functions to avoid functions that can overwhelm you. MPs need to create time for themselves to rest and avoid the endless constituency pressure that has caused many to fall sick," she said.
The UWOPA induction programme is intended to equip women MPs with skills for effective legislative work, personal wellness and collaboration as they prepare for committee elections and Parliamentary Commission nominations.
