Advocates Urge Enhanced Support for Refugee Women's Leadership in Uganda

A recent conference in Kampala, themed “Celebrating Women Leading Change in Refuge and Resilience,” brought together various stakeholders to address the crucial issue of leadership opportunities for refugee women and girls in Uganda. Organized by YARID, UCOBAC, CEFORD, and Woord en Daad under the LEAD Uganda Project, the event underscored the necessity of empowering these women to contribute more effectively to their communities.

Julius Onen, Country Representative for Woord en Daad-Uganda, praised Uganda’s progressive refugee policy but emphasized the gap in equipping refugee women with practical leadership skills. “If people in leadership positions are not equipped with the necessary skills, even significant financial investments may fail to deliver results,” Onen stated, highlighting that empowered women are vital for resource management and community development.

Sibo Mutangula, a Community-Based Protection Officer from UNHCR, stressed that leadership development must begin in adolescence. “Leadership begins when a girl has access to education, when she is safe, when she is heard, and when her potential is supported,” she explained. Mutangula pointed out that challenges like early marriage, gender-based violence, and limited educational access are significant barriers to girls’ leadership potential.

Millie Nancy Lagu, a South Sudanese refugee and Assistant Programme Manager, shared her personal journey, crediting leadership training for her transformation into a community advocate. “Today I stand tall because I have been empowered,” she said, calling for sustained support for women-led initiatives and challenging cultural norms that relegate women to the background.

Uganda, hosting nearly two million refugees, sees women and children making up about 78 percent of this population. Despite progress in refugee governance, significant gaps in leadership opportunities, education, and funding for women-led organizations persist. Participants urged for stronger partnerships and increased funding to ensure refugee women and girls are active agents of change and leaders in building resilient communities.

This article is based on information from The Nile Post.