Speaker Urges Women MPs to Push Laws against Inequality

Speaker Jacob Oboth has urged women legislators to use their numbers in Parliament to fight structural inequality through strong laws, fair resource allocation and effective representation.

Oboth said the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) remains one of the most influential groups in Parliament since its formation in 1989.

He asked members to push pending draft laws to their logical conclusion and protect the gains made by past women leaders.

“As a former Chairperson of the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, I can attest to the effectiveness of UWOPA in influencing legislation like the Domestic Violence Act 2010, Prohibition of FGM Act 2009, and the Succession (Amendment) Act 2022, among others. I therefore, challenge intending leadership to build upon the formidable foundation that your predecessors set, in order to accelerate progress, ensure operational continuity and preserve institutional memory,” Oboth said.

His message was delivered by Bukanga North County MP Nathan Byanyima during a UWOPA induction seminar for members of the 12th Parliament on June 29, 2026.

Oboth said the rise in the number of women leaders should also produce clear results in legislation, budgeting and representation.

“As we embark on the First Session of the 12th Parliament, I ask the members to be alive to the existential challenges that require legislation, budgetary and representative interventions. This will guide your strategies for influencing relevant public policy and legislation,” he added.

The Speaker also praised male MPs who belong to UWOPA. He urged them to support the push for gender equality and inclusion.

UWOPA chairperson Sarah Opendi raised concern over violence against women and girls, citing the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey and the 2025 Police Crime Report.

She said women and girls still carry the heaviest burden, with 10,492 cases reported to police.

“What is most shocking is that out of these 10,000 cases reported, only 713 convictions were attained and this should form the basis for the 12th Parliament to support the Justice Law and Order sector, because most of these cases lag behind because of lack of resources to conclude investigations,” Opendi said.

Opendi asked all female MPs to join UWOPA so that they can build a stronger voice in the House and in committees.

“You are in this Parliament as women because of the women who knew that the political ground is not leveled, and for that matter created this affirmative seat for all of us. Let us work as a team because out of 529 Members of Parliament, you are just about 34 per cent,” she added.

Winnie Matsiko, one of the founding members of UWOPA during the National Resistance Council, said the association was formed to improve the lives of women through representation, capacity building, political support and networking.

“As female legislators, you have to engender legislative processes and create an awareness platform for women to share experiences and build capacity. I encourage all of you not to neglect this this association because it will push you to greater heights,” Matsiko said.

Joseph Munyangabo, the country representative of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, asked UWOPA members to promote quality representation. He said this would help the association deliver on its mission and vision.