Why Uganda’s powerful women MPs must step out of the quota

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OPINION

By Sophie Nanyonga

Uganda’s affirmative action policy transformed women’s representation, but as politics evolves, some of the country’s most influential female leaders must move beyond the comfort of special seats to prove equality in practice.

When Uganda adopted affirmative action in 1989, it was hailed as a revolutionary step towards gender equality. For the first time, women were guaranteed representation in Parliament through reserved seats — one Woman Member of Parliament for each district. It was a bold political innovation, rooted in the recognition that historical and cultural barriers had long excluded women from the country’s decision-making spaces.

More than three decades later, the system has undeniably worked in some respects. Uganda now boasts one of the highest proportions of female legislators in Africa — nearly 34 percent of Parliament. The policy has nurtured many capable leaders, some of whom have risen to the top ranks of political life.

Yet, as Uganda’s democracy matures, a difficult truth has emerged: affirmative action, once a vehicle for empowerment, risks becoming a cage. It has created a class of capable women who remain confined to special seats, even when their political stature far exceeds the limits of the system that once elevated them.

The purpose of affirmative action was to open doors — not to keep women standing at the threshold. The district woman MP seat was meant to be a temporary measure to bridge historical inequality and inspire women to compete directly for open constituency seats. But over time, this temporary measure has hardened into a political structure of its own.

Take an example of the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, with her political weight, never vies for the direct member of parliament of her constituency. Her leadership, confidence, and mastery of parliamentary procedure made her one of Uganda’s most respected politicians — male or female. The current speaker of parliament, Hon. Anita Among, the current Speaker of Parliament, wields enormous political influence. Her rise from academia to Deputy Speaker and now to the third-highest office in the land is remarkable by any standard. Also, the national vice chairman of the ruling party is still contesting as a woman member of parliament.

Both women have demonstrated political skill, authority, and the ability to navigate Uganda’s turbulent political terrain while still competing under the affirmative action that was aimed at uplifting women in leadership. This begs the question whether, for the past nearly 40 years, this affirmative action has promoted gender equality as it was intended to? Should women of such political stature still be shielded by a structure designed to protect the disadvantaged?

There is no doubt that affirmative action opened space for women who might otherwise have been shut out. But it was never intended to define women’s political identity permanently. For such strong female politicians remaining in these reserved positions sends a mixed message: it implies that even the most capable women still need protection to survive in Uganda’s political arena. It sends a wrong precedent for other countries that would have otherwise considered using this method to promote gender equality in politics.

Affirmative action was always supposed to be transitional — a bridge to full equality. Forty years later, it has become a permanent structure. It served its purpose in increasing women’s visibility and participation, but it must now be reimagined for a new political generation.

No doubt, Ugandan politics remain deeply patriarchal. Campaigns are expensive, violent, and often infused with toxic masculinity, and consequently, many women still face intimidation or exclusion. However, these special seats should be reserved for younger or first-time female politicians. But for leaders who have already built national reputations and power, the real challenge is to disrupt the gendered boundaries of political competition.

By stepping into direct constituency contests, they would not only legitimise their individual political power but also pave the way for other women to follow. They would demonstrate that female leadership does not depend on constitutional favours but on competence, service, and courage.

Uganda’s Constitution deserves credit for its early recognition of gender equity. But laws alone cannot transform culture. The next frontier of women’s empowerment must be symbolic as much as structural. The sight of powerful women competing and winning in open parliamentary races would send a clear message that gender is no barrier to leadership.

Affirmative action changed Uganda’s political landscape, and its legacy should be celebrated. No doubt we do have women who vie for direct member of parliament like the Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke- Kudos to them, but the notion needs to be pushed further, promoted by the very powerful female political figures that this affirmative action has empowered otherwise, its continued use by some of the country’s most powerful women reveals how success can sometimes turn into stagnation.

If Uganda is to build a truly inclusive democracy, it must encourage women not just to occupy special spaces but to transform the entire political arena. After all, empowerment means not just entering the room — but owning it. Otherwise, the current situation weakens the legitimacy of the affirmative action.

The writer is a Ugandan Ass. Prof. of Political Science & Public Administration with a strong background in International Law.