15^th June 2010

In an interactive and exhilarating discussion this afternoon, political party leaders were put in the hot sit to explain accountability to women detailing how each party enhances women’s influence within a multiparty dispensation. Present in this session was Salaamu Musumba representing Dr. Kiiza Besigye the FDC President, Ken Lukyamuzi the Conservative Party (CP) president, Hussein Kyanjo the flag bearer of Justice Forum (JEEMA), Dr. Abed Bwanika of People’s Development Party (PDP), Olara Otunnu the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president and Takilambula Maxensia representing Nobert Mao the president of Democratic Party (DP).

In this two hours discussion party leaders detailed their plans in promoting women’s interests. Amidst cheers and ululations Ken Lukyamuzi, aka “the Man” stated that his Party CP is focusing on capacity building for women in leadership and the party plans to reserve 40% women to benefit from a federal system of government; build women’s capacity in leadership, and promoting environmental protection.

DP emphasized capacity building for women pledging to make the women’s league functional from national to grass root level. Maxensia however stressed the need for her party to make genuine reforms that would see more women engage in politics since the party currently has one female MP.

The Flag bearer of JEEMA (Justice Forum) Hon. Kyanjo stated that his party operates on two founding principles of Justice and Morality. FDC’s plans included deconstructing the present structure of the budget transforming it from consumption to an investment budget specifically in the areas of health and education. Other party plans included fighting corruption and reviewing the constitution to re instate presidential term limits.

Dr. Abed Bwanika’s People Democratic Party talked of plans to deepen the women’s agenda by reforming and implementing the legal framework, mobilizing women to be part of the monetized economy as well as build capacities of women in leadership.

With all these submission, the women seemed disappointed and openly told their party leaders that these were merely sweeping statements with no measurable achievements women. It was then noted that women need to work more with political parties to mainstream gender within the parties. Grace Bantebya Professor Women in Gender Studies asked the parties to further outline the different strategies to which women and men would hold them accountable.

Solome the FOWODE chairperson condemned the deputizing syndrome in leadership and lip service from political parties. She further urged the parties to stop regarding women as minors citing that in her analysis of the political parties’ manifestos most parties had lumped women programs with those of the children and people with disabilities etc.

Party leaders later met in smaller groups with women from their parties to brainstorm on the inclusion of women issues in party plans and manifestos. From this, Political parties were specifically demanded to amend party constitutions and plans to incorporate the democratic values and principles that promote gender parity, Parties to develop manifestos that include women’s concerns in concrete terms with viable commitments and indicators on issues of gender based violence, justice, security, water and sanitation, health, education and corruption. Women further demanded the parties to ensure women leaders have equal access to party resources.

By Carol Namagembe

FOWODE Communications Officer

15^th June 2010.

Day 2 of the Women in Politics Conference started on a very sad note as participants reflected on the sad events where women under the Interparty Coalition (IPC) were violently treated by the Police. “They were brutally beaten by the Uganda Police, tear gassed and disgraced as clothes of many were torn leaving them almost naked. Ddembe Catherine and Ingrid Turinawe were admitted in hospital, another woman who was detained by police and released on bail is expected to undergo an operation today on her arm which was broken by Police “Prossy Naikoba a Treasurer General of FDC women’s league.

To many this was as a move to intimidate women and limit their engagements in politics. It was agreed that women should join efforts to condemn this political violence against women but in a safe-secure and sustainable. A decision has been reached to visit the victims in hospital and provide financial support for medication. A press statement will be issued in a Press Conference slated for 16^th June 2010 to show solidarity.

Ms.Solome Nakawesi, the chairperson FOWODE reminded members that as Women’s Organization they have had 3 meetings with the Inspector General of Police, General Kayihura who has always guaranteed that women will be protected. To the disappointment of many, the Inspector General of Police is not walking the talk of protecting the Ugandan citizen and prosecuting the Police officers who use excessive force and abuse people’s rights while on duty. Such acts undermine the work of this government, which takes pride in promoting women’s rights, Ms. Nakawesi said.

The TIME IS NOW is a phrase that outstandingly came out of Day 1’s proceedings. The time is now for women to act and stop mourning for gender parity but to engage in masculinities, as they demand for political accountability from themselves, their parties, government, and civil society.

As women reflected on the challenges in women’s leadership for the past 5 years, emphasis was placed on the need for more civic education and capacity building especially for young women. Funding women in politics was also highlighted as one of the challenges as different speakers lobbied government, and civil society to fund women’s campaigns. Other challenges included illiteracy, intimidation of women.

Women were encouraged to take advantage of opportunities within in a democratic government by making use of the space for increased engagement and involvement of women in politics, building coalitions, and setting their own tunes for accountability.

By Carol Namagembe

FOWODE Communications Officer

Her Excellence Johnson Sirleaf the President of Liberia and the first female president on the African continent officially opened the conference this morning via satellite. She hailed Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) for the tremendous effort in advocating for gender equality in decision making.

The President acknowledged the Uganda government’s achievements in the advancement of women’s issues but cautioned that as Uganda prepares for the elections in 2011, political parties should promote transformative leadership and encourage women to participate in the democratic processes of Uganda. She stressed that there is an urgent need for women to move from uncritical support on the basis of blind loyalty to genuine engagement with issues at the heart of the Ugandan people such as democracy and good governance, equality, respect for human rights, justice for all and so on. “Women can be a force to reckon with especially in view of their numbers and are key in the endeavour to ensuring democratic governance as they bring energy, legitimacy and genuineness into politics and it is imperative that women use these numbers to ensure that their needs, priorities and interests are catered for, stated the President of Liberia.

This morning participants listened to Hon. Martha Karua a Kenyan Member of Parliament and Political Party Leader. She shared her own experiences in politics and called on women to fight all odds to succeed in politics. Martha mentioned that she has been an MP for 15 years and she is preparing to stand for presidency in the next Kenyan Elections.