Politics 21 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Corruption is Not Gendered, Activists Assert Amid Speaker Among Probe
Women leaders and civil society activists are pushing back against claims that investigations into Speaker Anita Among's alleged corruption reflect a failure of female leadership. They argue that corruption is an individual failing, not representative of all women in leadership. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/corruption-has-no-gender-activists-defend-affirmative-action-amid-anita-among-probe-5468242
Attempts to generalize corruption allegations against outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among as a failure of women in leadership are unfair, a coalition of women leaders and activists stated on Thursday.
Speaking in Kampala, advocates argued that corruption is an individual vice that cannot be used to tarnish the reputations of all women serving in public office. “One woman’s issue does not represent everybody,” said Patricia Munabi Babiiha, Executive Director of the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), emphasizing that Uganda has many women leaders who have served with integrity.
The activists stressed that corruption transcends gender and should be viewed as an individual failing. Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, cautioned against selective criticism, noting that male leaders facing similar or worse scandals are not used as a benchmark for all men.
Concerns were raised that the current controversy could be used to sideline women from top leadership roles in the upcoming parliamentary term. The coalition appealed to political parties and President Museveni to maintain gender balance by ensuring a woman holds either the Speaker or Deputy Speaker position.
Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr. Miria Matembe echoed these sentiments, asserting that women should not lose leadership opportunities due to the actions of one individual. “When corruption existed before Anita Among, nobody said men cannot lead,” she remarked, highlighting the presence of capable women leaders.
The activists defended affirmative action, stating that increased female participation in governance has enhanced democratic representation and addressed the concerns of ordinary citizens. They also reminded the government of its constitutional and international obligations to ensure equal participation of women in decision-making roles.
These remarks were made during a press conference in Kampala, as reported by the Daily Monitor.