Forum for Women in Democracy

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

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