Uganda's Women: Progress and Persistent Hurdles Under Museveni's Four Decades

Since President Yoweri Museveni assumed power in 1986, Uganda has witnessed notable advancements in women’s rights, particularly in higher education and political participation. Affirmative action policies, including a 1.5-point bonus for female university applicants, have dramatically increased female enrollment, with women now constituting a majority in tertiary institutions.

Politically, the introduction of District Woman MP seats and the 1995 Constitution’s emphasis on equal rights have boosted female representation to over a third of Parliament. Women have also ascended to high-profile government positions, including Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, and Prime Minister.

Beyond politics and education, the government has implemented economic initiatives like the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) and the Parish Development Model (PDM) to improve women’s access to credit and income. Legal reforms have aimed to strengthen laws against defilement and sexual offenses, alongside initiatives in gender-responsive budgeting and improved maternal health awareness.

Despite these gains, significant challenges persist. Violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and child marriage, remains high, with inconsistent law enforcement, particularly in rural areas. Crucial legal reforms, such as the stalled Marriage Bill 2024, face opposition from religious and cultural groups, hindering progress on issues like property division in divorce and combating child marriage.

Economic inequality continues to trap many women in low-paying, precarious work. Limited land ownership, poor access to finance, heavy unpaid care burdens, and lower wages disproportionately affect women, especially in rural communities. Customary practices also continue to disadvantage women in property inheritance.

While government officials highlight affirmative action and empowerment programs as evidence of progress, civil society groups point to persistent violence, poverty, and weak institutions. They argue that despite high-profile appointments and policy changes, the gap between legislative intent and the lived experiences of ordinary women, particularly those in rural and low-income areas, remains substantial.

For more details, see the original report from Daily Monitor.