Condemn social norms disadvantaging women, Ugandans told

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Ugandans have been urged to actively challenge violent social norms and stand in solidarity with women and girls in the fight against gender-based violence.

“We call upon cultural and religious institutions, men and boys, families, communities and all citizens to stand in solidarity with women and girls to challenge harmful social norms, condemn violence and create safe spaces for women to report violence and seek support and redress,” Fatuma Nakkazi, a gender-based violence prevention expert, says.

She emphasises that ending violence against women requires collective responsibility across all sectors of society.

Nakkazi, also Buganda Kingdom gender board chairperson, made the call today, March 9, 2026, during a post-International Women’s Day media briefing organised by the Domestic Violence Coalition, a women’s movement advocating for stronger protection of women’s rights.

The event at Sarovar Portico Hotel in Kampala city brought together several civil society organisations and activists working to promote gender equality and combat gender-based violence in Uganda.

Nakkazi stressed that justice for women must extend beyond the courtroom and include broader social accountability.

“We urge leaders across the spectrum to reject all forms of violence against women and girls, hate speech and harmful rhetoric. Good leadership must model respect, tolerance and peaceful co-existence,” she said.

She also urged development partners supporting women’s rights initiatives to align their funding with long-term commitments aimed at advancing gender equality.

“Development partners must sustain long-term investments that strengthen systems preventing violence and supporting survivors,” she added.

Several women’s rights advocates also addressed the conference, including Patience Poni Ayikoru, who represented both FIDA Uganda and the Equal Opportunities Commission, a government body mandated to promote fairness and equal access to opportunities.

Courage and leadership

Women’s Probono Initiative deputy executive director Rose Wakikona celebrated women who contested in Uganda’s recently concluded general election, describing them as symbols of courage and leadership. The initiative is a feminist non-profit organisation that advances gender equity through advocacy, research and legal support.

“Today, we celebrate our sisters who offered themselves as candidates in the recently concluded general elections. You demonstrated courage, leadership and commitment to shaping the future of our nation. We honour you regardless of the outcome,” she said.

She also paid tribute to the pioneering women whose activism laid the foundation for current progress in gender equality.

“We honour the women on whose shoulders we proudly stand today. Their legacies continue to blaze the trail for future generations,” Wakikona said.

Despite the challenges women face, she noted that women remain central to Uganda’s development, sustaining families and driving community transformation.

“Our resilience is not accidental. It is built on generations of organising, caregiving, innovation and leadership,” she added.

This year’s International Women’s Day in Uganda was commemorated under the theme: Give to Gain: Scaling up Investment for the Delivery of Gender Equality and Women and Girls’ Empowerment in Uganda.

According to Wakikona, the theme emphasises the need for greater investment in gender-responsive services and systems that prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

Progress made

Ayikoru commended the Government for the progress made in increasing women’s representation in leadership and improving girls’ access to education.

“Women are increasingly occupying positions of influence in public life, with 45% representation in the Cabinet. More girls are staying in school and transitioning to higher levels of education, with 61% moving from primary to secondary level,” she said.

She also highlighted legal reforms such as the Succession Act Cap 268, which now recognises girls as rightful heirs to family property

“These gains did not happen by chance. They are the result of sustained voice, investment, solidarity and unwavering commitment,” Ayikoru explained.

However, the coalition noted that significant gaps remain in the implementation of policies meant to protect women.

Only 26% of registered land in Uganda is owned by women, despite women providing more than 75% of farm labour, producing up to 75% of the country’s food and contributing over 90% of farm-level agricultural processing.

“What a sad irony,” Ayikoru said.

The activists also expressed concern over persistent challenges affecting women’s health and well-being.

Uganda’s maternal mortality rate stands at 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, while teenage pregnancy remains high at 26%, the highest in East Africa.

They further cited estimates indicating that 95% of Ugandan women and girls aged 15 and above have experienced physical, sexual or psychological violence by partners or non-partners.

The coalition warned that unless implementation gaps are addressed, legal protections for women will remain promises rather than realities.