Women lawyers call for greater female representation in leadership, governance

KAMPALA - Women lawyers under their umbrella, Female Lawyers' Network (FLN) have urged the Government, political parties, civil society and the electoral bodies to promote the full participation of women at all levels of leadership and in the electoral process, as voters, candidates, observers and decision-makers.

They also want institutions and partners to invest in training, mentoring, and legal empowerment of women in electoral governance.

Emphasis should be put on addressing gender biases, harassment, threats and political violence, all while promoting digital safety.

The call was made during the FLN-organised Women in Electoral Governance symposium held at Hotel Africana on September 26, 2025, under the theme: The Role of Women in strengthening the Electoral process in Uganda; Threats, Opportunities and Good Practices.

FLN was established in 2021 to empower women in law and eradicate gender injustices across age groups and sectors in the legal profession.

Meanwhile, the symposium was attended by over 300 women, including representatives from the Uganda Electoral Commission (EC), National Water and Sewerage corporation, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Judiciary, Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), National Planning Authority (NPA), Universities, government and UN agencies. Others were from law firms, non-governmental organisations, Civil Society Organisations, academia, media, private sector and security organisations.

It was officiated by Lady Justice Olive Kazarwe Mukwaya, the president of the Uganda Judicial Service Commission (JSC), who represented EC chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama. She emphasised ethical leadership, transparency and accountability for women leaders.

Absence of female presidential candidates

On the other hand, Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushara, who is FLN board member, decried the absence of female candidates in the ongoing presidential campaigns.

"This is a sad reality because women account for more than half of Uganda’s electorate, according to the UN Women.”

FLN was established in 2021 to empower women in law and eradicate gender injustices across age groups and sectors in the legal profession. (Courtesy Photo)

Bushara describes this lack of representation as a reflection of long-standing barriers against women, including gender-based violence, political intimidation, financial exclusion and systematic discrimination.

FLN  president Dr Joyce Nalunga Birimumaaso said the symposium was timely as Uganda heads for general elections next year.

“Women need to be empowered, mentored and trained to lead and be accountable,” she said. 

Women also need to join organisations, platforms and networks and be able to influence, grow and create impact.

According to Nalunga much as the future is female, only resilient and courageous women will lead in strategic positions across the world.

Irene T  Kauma, the senior principal secretary to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, emphasised the need for women to live a purpose-driven life in pursuit of destiny and greatness. While URA commissioner for legal and board affairs, Catherine Donovan Kyokunda stressed tax compliance for women.

Meanwhile, the symposium was also attended by Justice Patience T. Rubagumya, Justice Joanita Bushara, Deepa Verma, Angellina Namakula Ofwono, Uganda Law Society (ULS) past president Bernard Oundo and advocates, including Counsel Deo Kalikumutima, Simon Peter Musangala, Usaamaa Sebuufu, Mariam Mbabaali, Maimuna Mbatudde Ssebaggala and Diana Nabuuso.

 What others said

Charity Ahimbisibwe Kaleebo

We need legal and institutional reforms, including inclusive electoral laws, gender-sensitive policies, and accountability mechanisms that eliminate barriers to women's effective involvement. Also, emerging threats against women should be addressed.

Elizabeth Kasenene, UWEAL Chairperson

Women should adopt strong entrepreneurship skills in order to have financial independence.