UWOPA Vows to Champion Stronger Laws for Uganda's Progress

The Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) has recommitted itself to driving legislative change and promoting gender equality in Uganda. During a recent induction seminar for members of the 12th Parliament, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth, represented by Bukanga North County MP Hon. Nathan Byanyima, encouraged legislators to actively dismantle structural inequalities through targeted laws, fair resource distribution, and effective representation.

Oboth highlighted UWOPA’s historical significance, noting its influence since its 1989 inception. He cited the Domestic Violence Act 2010, the Prohibition of FGM Act 2009, and the Succession (Amendment) Act 2022 as prime examples of the association’s legislative successes. He challenged current leadership to sustain this momentum and ensure continuity in their impactful work.

The Speaker also emphasized the need for qualitative impact from the increasing number of women leaders, urging them to address pressing challenges through legislative, budgetary, and representative interventions. He further commended the presence of male legislators within UWOPA, encouraging them to serve as strong allies in the pursuit of gender equality.

Addressing the seminar, UWOPA Chairperson Hon. Sarah Opendi voiced serious concerns about the high rates of violence against women and girls. She pointed to alarming statistics from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey and the 2025 Police Crime Report, noting that out of over 10,000 reported cases, only 713 resulted in convictions. Opendi stressed that this situation necessitates increased support for the Justice Law and Order sector to overcome resource limitations that hinder case conclusion.

Opendi urged all female legislators to join UWOPA to amplify their voice within Parliament and committees, reminding them of the importance of collective action given their representation percentage. Founding member Hon. Winnie Matsiko recalled UWOPA’s original mission to enhance women’s quality of life through effective representation and capacity building.

Joseph Munyangabo from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) called on UWOPA members to champion quality representation to effectively realize the association’s goals.

Source: Parliament of Uganda