By Fortunate Akankunda
WOMEN’s DAY 2026
As Uganda joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, it’s worth reflecting on the remarkable journey Ugandan women have made. From a time when women were mostly excluded from public life and decision-making, the country has steadily built a society where women increasingly hold key roles in leadership, business, and national development. This progress hasn’t happened by chance. It’s the result of intentional policy choices, political commitment, and the resilience of Ugandan women who have seized the opportunities created for them.
When Uganda gained independence in 1962, women’s participation in leadership was very limited. Society was strongly patriarchal, and many cultural traditions discouraged women from holding positions of authority. The idea of a woman sitting in the country’s highest legislative body was almost unthinkable. Still, even under those circumstances, a few pioneers emerged to challenge the status quo.
One of the earliest pioneers was Florence Alice Lubega, who became Uganda’s first female Member of Parliament in 1962 representing Ssingo North West, now part of Mityana and Mubende districts. Her election occurred during a time when women lacked institutional support or affirmative action policies. She overcame both colonial structures and cultural resistance to secure her place in national leadership. Her bravery showed that Ugandan women could contribute meaningfully to governance if given the chance.
However, for many years after independence, progress stayed slow. Women were mostly limited to domestic roles, and their voices were seldom heard in national decision-making. The turning point happened in 1986 when the National Resistance Movement government came to power under Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. From the start, the new administration viewed women’s empowerment as a conscious ideological goal rather than just a symbolic gesture.
Women who participated in the liberation struggle were recognized and integrated into national leadership structures, including the armed forces and public administration. More importantly, affirmative action policies were introduced to ensure that women could participate in leadership at all levels of government. The 1995 Constitution strengthened these gains by guaranteeing representation for women in Parliament and local government councils.
These measures have transformed Uganda’s political landscape. Today, women make up a significant part of national leadership. Of the 529 Members of Parliament, 189 are women, accounting for about 36 percent of the House. This level of representation puts Uganda among countries that have made notable progress in promoting women’s participation in politics.
Women today hold some of the highest offices in the country. The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, and the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, serve as clear examples of how far the nation has progressed in embracing women in leadership roles. Throughout government agencies, women are given key responsibilities that influence national policy and development initiatives.
In Cabinet and Parliament, women lead several vital sectors of the economy and social development. Janet Museveni oversees the education sector as Minister of Education and Sports, while Judith Nabakooba heads the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. Betty Amongi leads the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, and Ruth Nankabirwa plays a key coordinating role in Parliament as Government Chief Whip. These are not ceremonial roles but positions that influence national planning and the delivery of services to citizens.
The transformation of Ugandan women extends beyond political representation. Over the years, the government has introduced several programs aimed at boosting women’s economic independence and household incomes. Initiatives like the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program, the Parish Development Model, and the Emyooga Program have helped thousands of women across the country access credit, form productive groups, and invest in income-generating activities.
Across many districts, women are now engaged in poultry farming, crop cultivation, tailoring, retail trade, and other small businesses that support household well-being and local economic development. Many women who were previously limited to subsistence activities have become entrepreneurs, providing for their families and communities.
Education has also played a vital role in expanding opportunities for girls. Government policies aimed at increasing access to education have significantly boosted enrollment levels for the girl child. Today, more young women are finishing school and attending universities and technical schools. As a result, Ugandan women are increasingly entering professions that were once dominated by men, including medicine, engineering, aviation, and scientific research.
These gains reflect the ongoing commitment by the government to foster an environment where women can succeed. Peace, better infrastructure, and expanded social services have set the stage for women to actively take part in national development.
Of course, challenges still exist. Gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and cultural barriers continue to impact many communities. Women who run directly for political positions sometimes face intimidation and financial hurdles that discourage them from participating. However, these challenges do not lessen the significant progress Uganda has already achieved.
As the country celebrates International Women’s Day, it is important to recognize both the pioneers who broke barriers and the leaders who continue to create opportunities for women today. From the village farmer to the entrepreneur, from the teacher to the Cabinet member, Ugandan women are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the nation’s future.
The message to the young girl growing up in Uganda today is simple but powerful: the doors are open. With education, determination, and the support of a government committed to empowerment, there are no limits to what Ugandan women can achieve.
The writer is a Third Year Student at Cavendish University Uganda
Email: Fortunateakankunda288@gmail.com
