Speaking at the event, Ms Anna Reismann, the Country Representative of the Konrad- Adenauer-Stiftung, commended Hon Alice Alaso Asianut for accepting to work with KAS to tell her story. “KAS Uganda and South Sudan partnered with Hon. Alaso in supporting the research and publication of this book, believing that a serious conversation about affirmative action demands critical engagement — with its benefits, its limitations, and the political complexities it presents. KAS is proud to equip readers with an important piece that can help them to contribute to a better society”.
Ms Reismann emphasized that the book is far more than a political memoir. “It is a rigorous and candid examination of Uganda's affirmative action framework — its constitutional origins, hard-won legislative milestones, and the deep structural challenges that continue to obstruct meaningful participation by women and marginalised communities in public life. This book holds a mirror to society, and all who seek to change it for the better should read it” she added.
She used the occasion to challenge prevailing narratives around women's political representation. She noted that conversations about gender in politics often rely on statistics — such as the number of women in a parliament for example. She questioned the value of such figures, pointing out that most countries praised for progress in women's representation fall short on democratic standards and that their parliaments largely serve to endorse decisions made by the executive or ruling party rather than fulfil a genuinely representative function. “What does it serve to use this figure of representation in a body that does not represent?" She added, "I truly hope that one day we will not celebrate women becoming MPs, ministers, prime ministers, presidents anymore — because gender will not matter. Only merits will, of men and women alike”.
In her remarks, Hon Alice Alaso Asianut noted that the book is a testimony to the resilience of women in politics and a call to action for all who believe in a just and equal society. Trials & Triumphs in the Journey of Affirmative Action Politics interrogates affirmative action not only as a political instrument but as a reflection of society itself: how it is organised, what it values, and why corrective measures remain necessary. The book draws attention to how affirmative action, while capable of catalysing change, can also be abused and misused — a tension the author navigates with characteristic honesty.
