Section
Recent gender coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
arts 28 June 2026
While women are the backbone of Uganda's vibrant arts and crafts sector, their contributions often go unrecognized and undervalued, hindering broader inclusive economic growth. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/why-women-dominate-uganda-s-arts-and-crafts-and-why-you-should-care-5512360
gender 23 June 2026
While NGOs increasingly focus on empowering girls through vocational training, a critical imbalance is emerging, leaving Uganda's boy child neglected and facing dire socio-economic consequences. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/the-rising-concern-over-uganda-s-neglected-boy-child-as-ngos-focus-on-empowering-girls-5506158
news 18 June 2026
Stakeholders at the SHE LEADS Conference 2026 in Kampala are calling for increased investment and practical skill-building to empower refugee women and girls to assume leadership roles. The conference highlighted the critical need to overcome barriers hindering their participation in decision-making. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349585/stakeholders-push-for-greater-leadership-opportunities-for-refugee-women-and-girls
education 12 June 2026
A recent survey at Makerere University reveals a significant gender disparity in career progression, with men advancing faster into top academic and administrative roles while women remain concentrated in junior positions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-female-staff-are-stagnating-as-men-dominate-top-roles-at-makerere-5493692
society 11 June 2026
In northern Uganda, men are actively engaging in male action groups to challenge harmful cultural practices and advocate for women's rights, leading to significant community transformations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-male-action-groups-are-changing-lives-in-the-north-5492300
education 23 May 2026
UN Women is urging young Ugandan women to challenge traditional gender roles and pursue careers in technology, highlighting the importance of digital literacy for future economic participation. The call comes after a coding camp that equipped girls with essential tech skills. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/un-women-urges-ugandan-girls-to-shatter-stereotypes-bridge-digital-divide-5470876
opinion 8 May 2026
As Uganda observes Mother's Day, the focus shifts from mere celebrations to the urgent need for translating appreciation into concrete policy and action that addresses the persistent challenges faced by women. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/mother-s-day-appreciation-should-be-translated-into-policy-and-action-5451624
economy 8 May 2026
Uganda has a significant opportunity to accelerate economic growth and transformation by actively empowering women to lead and innovate within the rapidly expanding digital sector. Ensuring women's full participation in technology is not just about inclusion but is an economic imperative. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/women-and-tech-our-next-growth-engine-5451580
Business 6 May 2026
Ugandan women entrepreneurs are falling behind men in e-commerce due to low digital literacy, high transaction fees, and limited device access, putting SMEs at risk amid projected $5 billion trade growth by 2029. Experts call for reduced mobile money costs and targeted training to bridge the divide. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/digital-divide-leaves-ugandan-women-trailing-men-in-e-commerce-5448818
opinion 4 May 2026
Historical and modern examples reveal a persistent pattern where women are singled out as symbols of blame in systemic failures, from Eve in Genesis to Uganda's iron sheets scandal involving Agnes Nandutu. Understanding these systems pushes society beyond individual guilt to demand deeper accountability and reform. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/from-eve-to-iron-sheets-how-systems-turn-women-into-stories-5446062
Business 1 May 2026
Women in leadership roles revolutionize financial services by designing inclusive products for real customers and fostering community connections, leading to stronger business outcomes. Institutions must provide them with authority and resources to scale women-centered initiatives. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/gender-balanced-leadership-is-good-for-business-5443092
gender 24 April 2026
Rona Babweetera, head of UGANET's Gender Department, draws from her orphanhood and personal abuse experiences to advocate for women's rights through legal work, community programs, and systemic reforms. She pushes for stronger enforcement, gender equality, and collaboration with men to combat gender-based violence. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/babweetera-challenging-systems-that-fail-women-5435488
history 19 April 2026
The Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF) espoused ideals of female empowerment during the war against Tanzania, but the actual experiences of women fighters reveal a stark gap between rhetoric and reality. Examining this disconnect sheds light on gender roles in Uganda's pivotal liberation battles. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/between-unlf-s-rhetoric-reality-of-female-liberation-5428596
education 3 April 2026
Uganda's large youth population holds immense promise, but high teenage pregnancy rates are driving girls out of school and stifling national growth. Government programs with EU and UNICEF support are showing success in retaining girls through financial aid and mentorship. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/teenage-pregnancy-should-not-end-a-girl-s-education-5412178
Business 1 April 2026
Ugandan women, who own nearly 40% of businesses despite facing severe barriers to formal credit, represent an untapped economic force that banks must support through innovative lending practices. Stories like that of entrepreneur Justine highlight the urgent need for reforms to dismantle collateral and network gaps. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/why-our-banking-systems-must-evolve-for-the-ugandan-woman-5410614
environment 19 March 2026
Women environmental defenders lead the fight against climate threats but face severe violence, gender-based harassment, and emotional strain that often goes unrecognized. Protecting them is crucial for true climate justice worldwide. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/the-silent-burden-carried-by-women-in-climate-justice-cause-5397170
Business 19 March 2026
While women are increasingly visible and contributing significantly in workplaces, true equal opportunity requires addressing subtle barriers like informal decision-making and lack of mentorship. Organisations must adopt deliberate actions to foster female leadership and growth beyond International Women’s Day celebrations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/presence-alone-does-not-always-translate-into-equal-opportunity-5396492
Business 13 March 2026
Women are proving their competence in private security roles across Uganda, from bodyguarding to risk assessment, yet face ongoing structural challenges. Greater support and inclusion can boost the industry's capacity amid rising demand. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/women-like-men-are-more-than-able-to-thrive-in-private-security-support-them-5389764
Business 13 March 2026
A Senegalese energy executive argues that simply increasing women's numbers in meetings isn't enough; true progress requires empowering them with decision-making power, as seen in TotalEnergies' projects in Uganda and beyond. She shares personal insights and calls for collective action to shape a fair energy future. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/the-goal-is-not-simply-more-women-at-the-table-5389706