Men urged to respect women's right to choose leader in 2026

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National Women's Council chairperson, Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, has urged men across Uganda to provide a supportive and peaceful environment for women as they exercise their democratic right in choosing their leader in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after President Yoweri Museveni was nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party presidential flag-bearer, Kibowa emphasised the critical role men play in ensuring women can freely participate in political processes without intimidation or interference.

"We want to call upon all men out there to give women a conducive environment to support the President of their choice. Do not intimidate our women. Give them the opportunity to vote for the candidate they believe in," she said, addressing a gathering of National Women's Council members from across the country.

Kibowa highlighted the achievements of President Museveni's leadership, particularly in empowering women through initiatives such as the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) and the Parish Development Model.

Stability in the country

She credited the stability brought by the NRM government for creating opportunities for women to grow financially, participate in leadership, and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

"The manifesto of the NRM captures many interventions targeting women, enabling them to become financially independent and improve their livelihoods. Women have been given opportunities that were never available to our mothers under previous regimes," she noted.

She also reiterated the council’s unwavering support for President Museveni, describing him as the leader who has consistently championed women's empowerment.

Recognise the gains

She urged women across political affiliations to recognise the gains achieved under his leadership and protect them by actively mobilizing and voting peacefully.

In her appeal to men, Kibowa stressed the importance of respecting women’s choices and avoiding actions that could disrupt family harmony.

"Do not make anything that will cause problems in your marriage. Give women the freedom to mobilise and vote peacefully for their preferred candidate," she said.

She continued that the National Women's Council which is a government structure under the gender ministry, represents over 304,000 women leaders across Uganda, from the village to the national level.

She said that the council is composed of elected leaders who serve as flag bearers for their respective political parties, with the majority subscribing to the NRM.

The council has been vocal in its support for President Museveni, citing his leadership as a source of stability and progress, particularly for women and children. "In times of war and instability, it is women and children who suffer most. President Museveni has given us peace and the chance to thrive. We need to safeguard these gains," Hajjat Kibowa emphasized.

As Uganda heads into the general elections, the National Women's Council calls on all citizens to ensure a peaceful process, urging women to mobilise effectively and men to stand by their wives, mothers, and sisters as they make their choices at the ballot box.

"Supporting women's right to choose is not just about politics but it is about fairness and respect. Let us work together to protect democracy and empower women to shape the future of this country," Hajjat Kibowa concluded.