REPORT OF THE FIRST WOMENS PARLIAMENT

HELD ON TUESDAY, 7TH JULY 2015 AT THE

PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA

If we do not know where we have come from, we can never understand where
we are.

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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 4
1

Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 6

Highlights of the Deliberations............................................................................................. 8

2.1

Communication from the Chair .................................................................................... 8

2.2

Status of CEDAW ........................................................................................................ 9

2.3

Statement on the Implementation of Gender Related Laws ........................................10

2.4

Statement on the Domestic Violence Act 2010 ...........................................................11

2.5

Implementation of Prevention of Trafficking of Persons Act ........................................12

2.6

Right to Ownership, Access and Control of land and property by Women ...................12

2.7

Implementation of Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Act 2010 ...............13

2.8

The Struggle for Womens Emancipation and Empowerment .....................................13

2.9

Debate/Plenary ...........................................................................................................15

Recommendations .............................................................................................................20

Responses .........................................................................................................................21
4.1

UN Response .............................................................................................................21

4.2

Government Response ...............................................................................................22

4.3

Donor Response .........................................................................................................23

Way Forward .....................................................................................................................23

Closing Remarks................................................................................................................24

Annex I: Order Paper ................................................................................................................25

Annex II: Presentations .............................................................................................................25
Annex 3: Attendance: .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

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Acronyms
CEDAW

Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women

CEDOVIP

Center for Domestic Violence Prevention

CSOs

Civil Society Organisations

DV

Domestic Violence

EU

European Union

FGM

Female Genital Mutilation

GBV

Gender based violence

GWED-G

Gulu Women Economic Development and Governance

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

MDAs

Ministries, Departments and Agencies

MoH

Ministry of Health

MoLG

Ministry of Local Government

MoU

Memorandum of Understanding

MP

Member of Parliament

NGOs

Non-Governmental Organizations

REACH

Reproductive Educative and Community Health Program

TIP

Trafficking in Persons

UN

United Nations

UWOPA

Uganda Women Parliamentary Association

WFD

Westminster Foundation for Democracy

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Executive Summary

The Parliament of Uganda held the first ever Womens Parliament on Tuesday, 7th July
2015 in the Parliament Chambers. The Womens Parliament was held under the theme:
Women Participation and Empowerment: addressing the Challenges of CEDAW
Implementation. The aim of the Womens Parliament was to provide a platform for
dialogue on gender issues. The event was organized by the Parliament of Uganda in
collaboration with Uganda Women Parliamentary Association and funded by the
European Union through the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. In attendance
were over 200 delegates comprising Members of Parliament, Development Partners,
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government, Civil Society
Organizations (CSOs), Media, Academia, Faith based organizations, women from the
grassroots, and students.
The Womens Parliament was the first of its kind and was a build up from the initiative
by Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) to benchmark the South
African Parliament, with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy
(WFD) back in April 2015. The initiative was facilitated by Mr. Mohamad K. Mansura, an
expert and former deputy Clerk of the National Assembly of South Africa. The key
outcome then was the resolution to pilot a womens parliament.
The Resource persons were drawn from among the sitting members of Parliament and
representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and government ministries. The
presentations and discussions revolved around the implementation of CEDAW related
legislation with focus on achievements, challenges and way forward noting that Women
and girls were still faced with a number of challenges that had to continuously and
collectively be addressed by various stakeholders. The debates on the presentations
were the source of this comprehensive report that will subsequently be tabled and
debated in the House.
The Government was commended for giving women space to fight for their rights and
the Rt. Hon Speaker, Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, for supporting the women cause.
Special recognition was made of the First Lady and Hon Minister for Karamoja Affairs
for promoting the Prevention of the Elimination of Mother-to-child Transmission in the
country.

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Among the recommendations made during the debate were the following:
Members of Parliament undertake special audit of the certificate of financial
implication for each gender law implemented.
Members of Parliament to ensure there is a gender and equity sensitive budget
under the Public Management and Finance Act 2015.
Need for popular versions and translations of the Acts into regional local
languages as well as more resources for implementation of CEDAW.
Government sets up a Witness Protection Agency and shelters for victims of
gender based violence and trafficking.
Gender issues be placed on the primary and secondary school syllabi and taught
in schools.
Endeavour to hold the Womens Parliament at district level
Women employees should consider joining trade unions
Women should actively participate in the upcoming elections
Women councils to support government in implementation of legislation
More effort be placed on economic justice
Parliament condemn in highest terms the issue of sexual harassment
The womens parliament was successfully inaugurated as a platform for womens
agenda and the objectives of the days event were achieved. The Uganda Women
Parliamentary Association pledged to hold the event annually. While the call was made
to Government and others stakeholders not to let the advocacy slip, the onus was on
the women and women leaders to address the issues maintain the commitment and
move together as a group in order to change the society.

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Introduction

Westminster Foundation for Democracy with funding from the European Union is
implementing a project titled: Enhancing civil engagement and political dialogue on
the implementation of legislation supporting CEDAW. The action objective is to
create greater horizontal and vertical accountability on the implementation of legislation
affecting women and girls. The process is designed to encourage new relationships
between the local councils and CSOs for horizontal accountability as well as between
CSOs, Councils and Parliament for vertical accountability. Component of gender
legislation and policies in the project is also a priority hence the link for the hosting of
the womens parliament to act as a drive for the voice to the women as a whole.
Therefore, Parliament of Uganda through the Uganda Women Parliamentary
Association (UWOPA) with support from Westminster Foundation for Democracy
organized the first Womens Parliament with the theme: Women Participation and
Empowerment: addressing the Challenges of CEDAW Implementation on
Tuesday 7th July 2015 in the Parliament Chambers. The objective of the event was to
create an inclusive platform for dialogue on gender issues with participation from
national and local level.
Specifically, the Womens Parliament addressed the following:

Discussed the status and hurdles of implementation of the gender legislation

enacted by Parliament

Deliberated on how Parliament, MDAs and Local Government could effectively

monitor implementation of CEDAW Legislation through state and non-state
structures

Discussed on how to enhance CSOs engagement to create greater vertical and

horizontal accountability in the legislative sphere.

Topics and Resource persons

1. An Overview of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Hon. Kwagala Olivia Kabaale
(Chairperson working group on womens parliament and MP Iganga District)
2. Statement on the Implementation of Gender Related Laws Hon. Betty Amongi,
(Chairperson UWOPA)
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3. Implementation of the Domestic Violence Act - Tina Musuya, (Executive Director

CEDOVIP)
4. Implementation of Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2010 - Beatrice
Chelangat, (Director General REACH)
5. Implementation of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2009 - Mr. Moses
Binoga, Assistant Commissioner Police - Anti Trafficking Unit (Ministry of Internal
Affairs)
6. The Right to Ownership, Access and Control of land and property by Women
Going beyond Reforms and Legal Provisions - Mr. Eddie Nsamba Gayiiya,
(Secretary General Shelter and Settlement Alternatives)
7. Domestic Violence Ac/Land Act - Ms Pamela Angwech, Executive DirectorGWED-G as a contributing resource person.
Methodology
The Womens Parliament took on the form of a parliament setting with deliberations
following an Order Paper. Presentations were made by Members of Parliament,
representatives of Civil Society Organisations and Ministry of Internal Affairs. The topics
were debated by Members of the House and mitigation measures proposed. Responses
were also obtained from the Donors, UN Women and Government Officials.

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Participants attending the session in the Parliament chamber - Uganda

This report, therefore, contains highlights of the speeches, formal presentations made,
summaries of the debate and the way forward on each of the identified challenges, and
a number of recommendations for stakeholders.
2

Highlights of the Deliberations

Prayers were led by Ms Merina Barungi, Clerk Assistant - Parliament of Uganda.

2.1

Communication from the Chair

Hon. Jalia Bintu Lukumu Abwooli, District Woman Representative - Masindi

District
The Speaker for the day, Hon Jalia Bintu, welcomed all the delegates to the Parliament
of Uganda. The Rt. Hon Speaker was unable to be in attendance because of State
duties but was in support of the event and wished the participants good deliberations.
The Speaker recognized the different stakeholders present: MPs, Ministers,
Development Partners, representatives of women leaders from grassroots, CSOs,
UWOPA. She made special recognition of Hon Rhoda Kalema, the first woman Member
of Parliament in Uganda.
She observed that the Womens Parliament was the first of its kind and the initiative had
become reality after UWOPA benchmarked the South African Parliament during a
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workshop supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) back in

March 2015. She elaborated on the theme and purpose of the event which was to
create an all inclusive parliament and dialogue on gender issues with the aim of creating
political will.
She spoke to the Order Paper of the day and requested the Clerk to guide the
proceedings.
2.2

Status of CEDAW

Hon. Kabaale Kwagala Olivia, District Woman Representative, Iganga District

(Executive member UWOPA)
As part of the background and importance of CEDAW, Hon Kwagala referred to the
adoption of CEDAW1 by United Nations in 1979 and ratification by Government of
Uganda in 1985. The legislation enacted in Uganda included Domestic Violence Act,
Trafficking Act, FGM Act etc. CEDAW was regarded as a bill of Rights for women and
was formulated on the realization that extensive discrimination continued despite the
existing human rights treaties. The Convention provided the basis for realizing equality
between women and men through ensuring womens equal access and opportunities in
political and public life. As part of the reporting process, Uganda was committed to
submitting national reports at least once every 4 years to the CEDAW committee,
monitoring compliance and implementing recommendations of the Committee.
The reports had to include gender analysis. Upon submission of the report, the
committee considered the report and requested for additional information where
necessary. Noteworthy was the fact that CSOs also submitted a shadow/alternative
report. Among the roles of Parliament highlighted were (i) Participation in the reporting
process (ii) ensuring national laws, policies, programmes and budgets reflected the
principles and obligations of the Convention (ii) participation in the meetings between
the State Parties and the CEDAW committee.
In terms of progress, a multi-sectoral framework for monitoring and reporting on
implementation had been formulated and compilation of the 8 th country report had been
initiated.
Amongst the challenges faced during implementation were (i) Supremacy of
Constitution over the Acts, (ii) Acts not rightly implemented and those implemented
have shortcomings (iii) Several reporting requirements which causes fatigue (iv) Lack of
financial and human resource capacity (v) Universal periodic review.
1

CEDAW has 188 States Parties and 99 signatories.

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In moving forward, there was need to strengthen coordination and building of synergies
amongst stakeholders, disseminate the provisions of CEDAW, strengthen national
machinery for proper undertaking of function and ratification of protocols.
While concluding, the Hon Member recognized the presence of male members of
UWOPA, representatives of the media and technocrats. She thanked the Speaker for
the opportunity and requested to electronically lay the report on Table immediately.
2.3

Statement on the Implementation of Gender Related Laws

Hon Betty Amongi, Member of Parliament, Oyam South (Chairperson UWOPA)

In her introduction, Hon Betty Amongi emphasized the need to evaluate fundamental
international and national commitments on gender issues. She referred to the UN
Declaration of Human Rights signed in 1948 and quoted the section All human beings
are born equal. This implied that human rights were birthrights for all people, and
Government was bound to protect all rights. She further attested to Uganda being a
signatory to (i) CEDAW 1979, (ii) Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action 1995,
(iii) UN Council Resolution, (iv) Protocol of African Charter on human & Peoples Rights
1981, and (v) African Union.
The handout highlighted progress and challenges of the (i) Domestic Violence Act 2010
(ii) Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2010 (iii) Prohibition of Trafficking in
Persons, (iv) Land Amendment Act 2004 (v) Mortgage Act 2009 and (vi) Equal
Opportunities Act 2007.
She referred to the average percentage of women in the Parliament of Uganda in 2013
which was 35%. This was no mean achievement by the women of Uganda. Other
achievements highlighted were (i) Gender parity measures in most primary schools (ii)
increase in women ownership to land (iii) Enactment of several laws in support of
women such as Land Ownership Act, Mortgage Act, Employment Act, Right of Persons
with Disabilities, Equal Opportunities Act, Local Government Act (iv) 37% of women in
formal employment with relatively equal pay as that of men holding similar positions.
However, the following challenges facing women were noted:

High mortality and maternal mortality rates

Teenage pregnancies
Low household wealth and assets
Unequal access to and control of productive resources
Gender inequality in growth
Access to informal labour market

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She invited responses to her presentation later on especially on the achievements,

gaps, and what could be done in moving forward.
2.4

Statement on the Domestic Violence Act 2010

Ms Tinah Musuya, Executive Director, Center for Domestic Violence Prevention

In the preamble, Ms Musuya provided information on why the need for the Domestic
Violence Act arose and its benefits. She emphasized the following prerequisites for
implementation of the Domestic Violence Act
Must have a framework for enforcement
Different sectors must work simultaneously
Need to have clarity of roles
Guidelines in place for each player
Need to take legal action against institutions that are not complying
Check enforcement activities
Obtain feedback from supervisors
Law users must be aware of the law
Sectors need technical guidance in implementation
As part of the status report, she narrated as follows: The DV Act was passed in 2010
and copies disseminated. Guidelines were provided and implementation commenced in
2011. The Ministry of Health (MoH) had reviewed guidelines, conducted a readiness
assessment exercise, and was currently developing a training manual for healthcare
workers. The Police form 3 had been revised; awareness creation campaigns launched
and were in the process of elevating family and childcare unit to a directorate. The
Director of Public Prosecution had also established a department for the related
activities and was developing a prosecutors manual. The Ministry of Gender, Labour
and Social Development (MoGLSD) had launched a data collection point and drafted a
national policy. The CSOs coalition worked closely with women rights organizations to
translate the Act in 8 local languages and had conducted trainings in various agencies.
She further highlighted what was desirable but had not happened yet: a budget
allocation to spearhead awareness campaign, training for law enforcers, monitoring of
implementation, establishment of public safe shelters, and enactment of required
legislation and coordination of all actors.
Consequently, the quick actions included review of the penal code, enactment of sexual
offences bill, marriage and divorce bill, succession and inheritance bill, and allocation of
resources in various sectors.
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2.5

Implementation of Prevention of Trafficking of Persons Act

Mr. Moses Binoga, Coordinator, National Taskforce for Prevention of Trafficking

in Persons, Ministry of Internal Affairs
In the overview, Mr. Binoga indicated that most of the victims of trafficking were female
adults and children from all the regions of Uganda and the common destinations are
Asia, Saudi Arabia, China, South Africa, Sudan, Kuwait, Quatar, DRC and Kenya. The
victims were most often subjected to sexual exploitation, child labour, and human
sacrifice.
On status of implementation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as coordinator, had (i) set
up a multi-sectoral national counter-human trafficking system and structure, (ii)
developed and implemented the National Action Plan to counter TIP in Uganda (iii) built
capacity of MDAs through training and awareness raising (iv) implemented massive
awareness campaigns using various communication channels (v) a total of 8 suspects
had been convicted of charges related to trafficking in persons since 2013.
Among the challenges was an unclear agency for coordination and the low investigation
capacity of the police, sophistication in crime, drug and human trafficking, no proper
guidelines for advertising by the media, financial constraints for repatriation, the right to
a travel document, and unemployment and poverty.
The way forward spelt out the duties of a clear lead agency, requirement of a victim
assistance fund, participation of leaders in awareness campaigns, governments role in
reducing poverty and unemployment, and training of the stakeholders.
2.6

Right to Ownership, Access and Control of land and property by Women

Mr. Eddie Nsamba-Gayiira, Secretary General, SSA: UHSNET, Land & Housing
Specialist/Policy Analyst
In his introduction, Mr. Nsamba-Gayiira emphasized the issue of unequal access to and
control of land and other productive resources as a major form of inequality between
women and men and had consequences for women in the development process.
Access to the resources was essential to ensuring womens right to equality and to an
adequate standard of living.
He further spelt out the international, regional and national legal and policy framework in
support of womens rights to land, property and housing such as the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights 1948, CEDAW 1979, African Charter on human & Peoples
Rights 1981, the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action 1995, the Constitution
of the Republic of Uganda, Land Act 1998 and the Succession Act.
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Among the challenges highlighted was the gap between key policy and legal
frameworks and reality, legal pluralism and the mindset on gender equality.
In his Call to action, he recommended a move from slogans to action, use of the power
of numbers of women to demand for gender equality, enactment of the Marriage and
Divorce bill, amendment of the Succession Act, address the mindsets of cultural leaders
and men in general, ensure legal literacy for women, audit of the performance of
Government in implementation of global, regional and national commitments, and lobby
Government to adopt the Eviction and Resettlement guidelines developed by
SSA:UHSNET among others.
2.7

Implementation of Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Act 2010

Ms. Beatrice Chelangat, Director General, REACH Programme

In her introduction, Ms. Chelangat defined the term female genital mutilation indicating
that the practice was found in more than 20 districts. She provided history on the
campaign against FGM which went as far back as 1925. A number of interventions were
made since then which culminated into a private members bill in 2009 and eventual
enactment of the legislation. She made special recognition of Hon. Rebecca Kadagas
efforts in the legal process.
Regarding implementation, the Act was disseminated widely although the traditional and
cultural perceptions linger on. The activities of FGM were openly condemned by local
leaders and the media, and the Government had joined hands with NGOs to address
FGM through community policing, dialogue and media. There was also evidence of
convicted persons.
Challenges in implementation included lack of political will, limited monitoring,
outreaches and law enforcement (since practice was being done in remote areas and at
odd seasons), and lack of medical attention due to the poor roads to health centres.
Suggested action points included joint efforts in the campaign, ensuring effective law
enforcement by addressing gaps of limited personnel, equipment and coverage by
police, empowering women economically, provision of secondary schools, and
compensation of survivors of FGM.
2.8

The Struggle for Womens Emancipation and Empowerment

Hon Rhoda Kalema, 1st Woman member of Parliament in Uganda

Hon Rhoda Kalema gave a history of the womens movement which dated as far back
as 1914. She referred to the onset of the Mothers Union in 1914 and the Uganda
Council of Women in 1946. The fundamental issues then were social justice, equality
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and social development. With the appointment of women to the Legislative Council
during the period 1956 1962, the issues dealt with were girls education, women
representation to public bodies and in politics, and most of all, marriage and inheritance
law reforms. She further delved into the significant landmarks in the Uganda women
movement and highlighted the challenges of women emancipation. She noted that the
womens emancipation had grown faster and commended the Government for
educational opportunities for the girl child and wider political room created the
Affirmative Action. She urged the women to change focus from struggle to offering self.
She concluded by calling upon the woman leader to build leadership for tomorrows
leader and the far future leader for the perpetuity of the Women movement.

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2.9

Debate/Plenary

There were 2 plenary sessions held and these were contributed to by the grassroots
women, Members of Parliament/Chairpersons of Committees and representatives from
CSOs. Contributions were made on the issues of CEDAW, womens rights, Girl Child,
Female Genital Mutilation, Domestic violence, trafficking of persons, and access to and
control of land and resources. The Womens Parliament commended Government for
giving women space to fight for their rights and recognized the efforts of the Rt Hon
Speaker for supporting the cause. The First Lady Hon. Minister for Karamoja Affairs
was also recognized for promoting the prevention of the elimination of mother-to-child
transmission.

A student participant contributing to the debate

Below are the issues generated from the 2 sessions and the recommendations made to
address the various challenges identified:

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2.9.1 Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

Contributions were made on the good policy environment in Uganda regarding CEDAW
over the last five years and MPs were commended on ensuring the necessary
legislation. However, enforcement was lacking partly because Government departments
had low budgets for enforcement and local revenues were very low. Few people have
access to the enacted legislation and some are not able to read or understand the
various provisions.
Recommendations
(i)

Need for popular versions and translations of the Acts into local languages and
development of additional tools to ease situation at lower levels. Further, utilization
of women lawyers to interpret laws for the women.

(ii) Gender literacy; Action should be taken to sensitize people and set up community
libraries which must be extended to schools. Government should support training of
leaders to promote understanding of gender issues.
(iii) Set up committees to steer implementation of laws including special audit of the
certificate of financial implication.
(iv) NGOs should be encouraged to continue supporting women networks to increase
effectiveness of women.
(v) Ensure equal access to education and support girls to attain the highest level
possible.
(vi) Elimination of disparities in provision of health services
(vii) Economic empowerment; facilitate development of rural areas and strengthen the
agricultural sector.
(viii) Personal initiative; Individuals buying a copy of the Act.
2.9.2 Womens rights/equal opportunities
Barriers and participation in labour market; Very few women and girls had access to
education because of cultural reasons which results in employment of more women in
informal sectors. In the formal sector, positions for Managing Directors and deputies
were usually offered to men while employment of women, which was at times based on
sexual harassment, was mostly seen at lower cadre positions. This had far reaching
implications; in the case of the casual basis arrangement rarely attracted maternity
leave and other benefits.
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One of the women explained as such: I am a teacher

by profession. When I tried to get a job as a teacher, I
was told to sleep with the boss first. Since I could not
do that, I opted to go into business. I now operate as

a hawker which also has its challenges.

Masaka road w

Women also experience poor working conditions during employment such as getting
fired when they get pregnant. Other issues included: Women with disabilities are not
given enough and proper attention during labour. There is demand for sex by men all
the time and yet women are not permitted to go for family planning. Women councilors
represent 3 sub counties in council and yet receive same amount of allowance as
others.
Recommendations
(i) Women are generally vulnerable and Government should intervene.
(ii) Rights of women should also be protected through the Trade Unions.
(iii) Affirmative action should be extended to all levels.
(iv) Midwives and special beds are required for women with disabilities.
2.9.3 Girl Child
The girl child is exposed to poor sanitation conditions while in school. Teenage
pregnancy is also on the rise as a result of defilement. The perpetrators of defilement
are usually the people with resources and always pay their way out of prison or court.
There is the issue of early marriages and pregnancies which are a cause of high
mortality rates. Child labour is hindering education of girls, and both the girl and boy
child are also exposed to drinking alcohol at an early age.
Recommendations
(i) Deliberately carry out community meetings to make parents aware of the girl
child education.
(ii) JLOS should devise ways of addressing the defilement cases
(iii) Need to address the culture of paying dowry so that girls are not seen as sources
of wealth which makes them susceptible to torture in the marital homes.
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2.9.4 Domestic Violence

Emphasis is usually placed on physical violence and yet emotional violence is equally
important. Drinking of alcohol and poverty are some of the causes of domestic violence
and polygamy, and has culminated in high divorce rates. Very few cases of DV are
prosecuted because people do not report; Women do not appear to know their rights,
fear the perpetrators and do not want to testify in court. There is a tendency of settling
cases out of court. There are also limited numbers of judicial officers to attend to the
cases of domestic violence.
Taking the example of northern Uganda, the cause of domestic violence is mainly
caused by land conflicts. Being a post conflict area, the people only have land left but
women are denied access to and adequate use of land.
Recommendations
(i)

Government should intervene in post conflict areas, step up sensitization

campaigns on DV, and provide a one stop centre for cases of domestic violence

(ii) Women should speak up and report cases to police for prosecution
(iii) Issues of gender equality should be incorporated in school curricula and taught to
both male and female students
(iv) Checking of consumption of alcohol; Government should tax the local spirits
especially those in sachets
(v) Communities should be encouraged to promote income generating activities.
2.9.5 Trafficking in Persons
Some of the people involved in trafficking present themselves as NGOs and there
appears to be no protection from Government.
Recommendation: Government should ratify the protocol, enhance protection
mechanisms and provide shelters for people who are rescued.
2.9.6 Female Genital Mutilation
The activities of FGM are seasonal and some of the target places are hard-to-reach
areas where teachers are unable to reach and doctors are practically not available.
These activities spread beyond Uganda to the neighboring Sudan, Somalia and Kenya.

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Recommendations
(i) Team work is required in addressing FGM; Government needs to put effort to
ensure access to education in the remote areas especially secondary schools;
(ii) Funding agencies should provide timely resources to create impact and save the
girl child;
(iii) CSOs need to make timely interventions in order to create impact;
(iv) Regional intervention; proposed strategies should target all the regional countries
involved.
2.9.7 Land and property
Women have been denied access to land and property. Women issues are not heard at
the grassroots level because they lack access to productive assets: the women own
nothing at the parents home and in the marital homes. These poverty levels do not
permit the women to access the necessary help, while the men can bribe the police
because they have money. Secondly, despite the laws, spousal consent does not
happen in practical terms; men sell off assets without the consent of women, men
refuse to develop land belonging to women, and usually beat them up. When it comes
to money, women do the saving in most cases but men have the means to access it
and use it for non-essentials such as to drink alcohol.
Recommendation
(i) Government should consider the laws regulating marriage such as the Marriage
and Divorce Bill 2009.
(ii) Women should be empowered economically.
(iii) Community campaigns should be promoted right down to village and parish level.
2.9.8 Other Gender related issues
2.9.8.1
Road Infrastructure: many of the roads in rural areas are poor and
distances to health centers are long. This makes it difficult for women to access medical
attention in a timely manner
Recommendation:
(i) Government should increase funding for road construction
(ii) Government should lift ban on construction of health center IIs.
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2.9.8.2
Low participation: There is low participation of women in different sectors
because of HIV. The rate is on the rise and women are both being infected and affected
since they are usually the caretakers of entire families.
Recommendation: Build capacity of women to increase knowledge and skills of dealing
with HIV and other health related matters.
2.9.8.3

Articulation of issues by women is inadequate.

Recommendation: mentoring and coaching approach for leaders to effectively

represent women.
2.9.8.4
Use of media by women; some of the messages are accompanied by
indecent demonstrations causing negative portrayal of the issues.
Recommendation: Use media positively, Campaign for women with decency to
positively portray women issues, and ensure participation of women in media programs
which target the female gender.
2.9.8.5
Mama kits: The National Drugs Authority has excess mama kits in the
stores.
Recommendation: UWOPA should follow up the issue and determine the best strategy
for distribution of the kits.
2.9.8.6
Planning for families: Widows and orphans suffer setbacks after death of
bread winner/head of household.
Recommendation: mechanisms required for sensitization on making wills by
men/heads of households.
3

Recommendations

The following recommendations were made by the House:

i.

Parliament should condemn in highest terms the issue of sexual harassment

ii.

Government should increase the resources for implementation of CEDAW

legislation

iii.

Parliament should ensure there is a gender and equity sensitive budget under
the Public Management and Finance Act 2015.

iv.

Women councils should support Government in implementation of legislation

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v.

Government should support development of popular versions and translations of

the Acts into regional local languages

vi.

Members of Parliament need to take special audit of the certificate of financial

implication for every law implemented.

vii.

Gender issues should be placed on syllabus and taught in schools

viii.

Women should use media positively in campaigning for women and girl child
issues

ix.

Government, local leaders, Development Partners and NGOS should collectively

address issues of FGM

x.

Take the concept of a womens parliament to the district level to allow other
leaders internalize and appreciate the issues.

xi.

The Uganda Women Parliamentary Association should pursue a transitional

justice mechanism for post conflict areas

xii.

Women employees should join trade unions which can provide a mechanism for
addressing employment related issues.

xiii.

Women should actively participate in the upcoming elections and take up

leadership positions.

xiv.

Shelters should be set up for victims of gender based violence and trafficking

xv.

The Uganda Women Parliamentary Association should pursue and support

screening of women in the constituencies for cancer.

xvi.

Government should fast track funding of the Uganda Women Enterprise

Program.

xvii.

The advocacy for women as a disadvantaged group should include youth and
persons with disabilities

xviii.

Each district should have a womens bank and offer services at a lower interest
rate

Responses

4.1

UN Response

Country Representative, UN Women

The Country Representative commended Parliament for the effort. She pledged to
support Parliament to hold the subsequent annual Womens Parliament. She
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commended Uganda for having one of the best Constitutions in Africa, strong policies
and expressed pride in providing support to UWOPA. The major issue at hand was how
to ensure the issue of affirmative action goes beyond women representation in
parliament and the special measures required in addressing women issues for
elections, human rights, equal opportunity etc.
Some of these measures included capacity building for aspiring candidates, provision of
resources, civic education for all women, and support for women organizations. She
commended the performance of Women parliamentarians and emphasized that Uganda
would not reverse on rights provided for in the Constitution.
4.2

Government Response

4.2.1 Hon Sarah Opendi, Minister of State for Primary Health care
The Hon Minister commended the organizers and funders of the Womens Parliament.
She re-echoed the fact that power was in the hands of women. With regard to solving
the health related issues, Government had committed to constructing health center IIIs,
contraceptives were available in health centres in support of family planning, (iii)
Government had recruited 7,000 additional health workers.
With regard to teenage pregnancies, she encouraged women to restrain children from
accessing wrong videos. She further cautioned women to avoid religions that
discouraged immunization and education, and was positive that Uganda could eliminate
the mother-to-child transmission like Cuba had achieved.
In order to reduce the rates in trafficking, the Government had listed the companies
authorized to recruit youth for jobs abroad.
4.2.2 Hon Amelia Kyambadde, Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives
The Hon Minister saluted women and men in the House and went on to highlight
achievements for women issues in the country such as the number of women in
Parliament. Her major concern was the extent of commitment to some of the issues that
were debated citing womens silence on some social aspects such as incest and
polygamy, major sources of pain and suffering especially for the girls. Another issue
highlighted was the fiduciary victim in the boss-employee relationship or the teacherstudent arrangement.

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4.3 Donor Response

4.3.1 EU Representative
Ms Rosette Sayson Meyer (Adviser - Human Rights, Conflict & Gender, EU) expressed
excitement over the outcome of the womens parliament; hearing voices of the women
talk. She encouraged the stakeholders not to let the advocacy slip, ensure follow up,
maintain the commitment and move together as a group in order to change the society.
First Adjournment
At this point the Speaker expressed her gratitude towards WFD and EU for facilitating
and funding the first womens parliament and pledged to hold the event annually. She
thanked UWOPA and all participants for honoring the invitation. She anticipated that
some of the issues debated would be addressed through the Parliament Outreach
Programmes and, thereafter, suspended the House until 2.00pm.
4.3.2 Senior Program Manager, WFD, Africa Region
Miss Majda ElBied was impressed by the event and proud to represent WFD and EU
programme. She was excited about the participation of each attendee. She referred to
the capacity building activities that were facilitated by the Consultant from South Africa
and had culminated into implementation of the concept by UWOPA/WFD. She
congratulated WFD/UWOPA and looked forward to being present during the 10th
Anniversary of the Womens Parliament.
The European Union was also impressed with the event, extended a congratulatory
message to every participant and was positive about collectively doing something to
improve women and girls in Uganda. She noted that Ugandas Constitution was strong
and that the country was advanced on womens issues. She reiterated the privilege of
being in attendance at the event.
She praised the efforts of the WFD team in Uganda, respectively Dorine Lakot,
Programme Manager and Baker Byamuhangi for organising the first womens
parliament.
5

Way Forward

The Speaker informed the House that the report on the Womens Parliament would be
circulated to Members and relevant stakeholders. She promised to brief the Rt. Hon
Speaker of Parliament about the proceedings of the House.

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She thanked the donors for spending the day in the womens parliament and providing
the resources for the event and gave the assurance that the subsequent parliaments
would embrace other views and have action plans for many of the issues.
She was grateful to the participants for sparing time for the women cause and was glad
the women were departing with an informed position. She thanked UWOPA and WFD
for the initiative and reiterated Uganda being at the center of good practices.
6

Closing Remarks

Hon. Namara Grace, District Woman Representative,

(Executive Member of UWOPA)

Lyantonde

District

Hon. Namara thanked the Speaker for an excellent job of guiding the first womens
parliament. She was also grateful to UWOPA for organizing the Womens Parliament
and WFD/EU for funding the high profile event. The platform was initiated to enable
women share experiences since women suffered similar problems. The onus was on
women to address the issues, not to give up and continue the struggle.
She honored the presence of all participants and the experiences shared and assured
the House that the Womens Parliament would be an annual event. She called on all
stakeholders to continue the struggle and requested leaders to drive the women agenda
through the various platforms. It was not the time to shy away but to utilize opportunities
to sensitize women. She encouraged women to stand as one, speak the same
language, favour one another, and avoid being at war with each other and request for
help in support of one another.
She referred to the efforts of UWOPA in FGM, leadership, trafficking, DV, and
monitoring of health facilities. The Association was limited by funds but had the issues
on hand and would always be involved. She took the opportunity to recognize the
Executive Members of UWOPA. She also apologized to the districts that had not been
represented and pledged to do better in the subsequent year.
She thanked all the participants and hoped they have learnt some lessons from the
event. She specially recognized and thanked the WFD Programme Manager, Dorine
Lakot, Uganda who had coordinated all the activities. She wished the Muslim
participants a happy Ramadan, extended a message for the Christmas season and
success in the coming elections.
The House was adjourned at 6.00pm.

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ANNEX I: ORDER PAPER

ANNEX II: PRESENTATIONS
1. AN OVERVIEW OF THE UN CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL
FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW), HON. KWAGALA
OLIVIA KABAALE
2. STATEMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GENDER RELATED LAWS (DV
ACT 2010, TIP ACT 2009, FGM ACT 2010, EOC ACT 2009, LAND
AMENDMENT ACT 2004, AND THE MORTGAGE ACT 2009. BY HON. BETTY
AMONGI CHAIRPERSON-UWOPA
3. STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, BY TINA
MUSUYA CEDOVIP
4. IMPLEMENTATION OF PREVENTION OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
ACT 2010, BY BEATRICE CHELANGAT, DIRECTOR GENERAL - REACH
PROGRAMME
5. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PREVENTION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
ACT 2009 BY CP BINOGA MOSES THE COORDINATOR OF THE NATIONAL
TASK FORCE FOR PREVENTION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS /
MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
6. THE RIGHT TO OWNERSHIP, ACCESS AND CONTROL OF LAND AND
PROPERTY BY WOMEN GOING BEYOND REFORMS AND LEGAL
PROVISIONS BY EDWARD NSAMBA SSA

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