Swedish ambassador lauds Uganda on gender equality progress

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Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Håkansson, has lauded the country’s progress in gender equality. She has described Uganda as a model nation in the region—and, in some aspects, even ahead of Sweden.

Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, according to the United Nations, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development.

Gender Equality was made part of international human rights law by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948. That milestone document in the history of human rights recognized that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and that “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, … birth or other status.”


Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations in Kyankwanzi district on March 8, 2025, Håkansson, who represented Team Europe and the gender development partners in Uganda, emphasised Uganda’s advancements in women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and legal frameworks aimed at protecting women and girls.

“We commend the government of Uganda for its commitment to advancing gender equality,” Håkansson stated. 

“We see the progress in increasing women’s representation in leadership. And I have to say, I often get the question of how Sweden compares to Uganda. With all humility, I must say that Sweden is still way behind Uganda when it comes to women’s representation in political positions. So, well done, Uganda.” Håkansson noted.

Her remarks drew enthusiastic applause from the gathered crowd, particularly as she underscored that other nations—both within Africa and beyond—are studying Uganda’s gender policies as a model for their own reforms.

“Uganda is one of the countries in the region that other nations are learning from,” she continued, “even developed countries, including Sweden, can take lessons from Uganda’s approach to gender inclusion.”

Håkansson pointed to Uganda’s initiatives such as the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, which has enhanced women’s financial independence as well as strengthened legal frameworks that protect women’s rights, particularly in land ownership and leadership. She acknowledged, however, that persistent challenges remain, including gender-based violence, discriminatory norms, and gaps in digital access that hinder women’s full economic participation.

Her praise prompted a swift response from President Yoweri Museveni, who emphasized Uganda’s unique approach to governance and democracy.

“I want to thank the Swedish Ambassador because she is one of the most truthful people. Most people are not truthful,” Museveni said.

“She just declared here that we are better than them in practicing democracy. This is what I have always said to them because often they confront me about democracy, and I always tell them that we are better than them.”

Museveni argued women should continue joining the money economy by using the Parish Development Model (PDM) money to generate more revenue. He cited policies such as the mandatory representation of women in Parliament, with each district having a dedicated seat for a female representative.

Uganda has made significant progress in promoting women's empowerment, especially in political representation with a strong framework for gender equality, with women occupying prominent government positions, including the Vice President, Prime Minister, and various ministerial roles.

The Government has actively advocated for laws that safeguard women from violence, discrimination, and economic marginalization, establishing itself as a model for other African nations striving to enhance gender equality.