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The Constitution of Uganda sets the policy and legal framework for gender equality and women’s empowerment. It recognizes gender equality as a fundamental human rights principle (Chapter 4); provides for affirmative action to redress imbalances including those based on gender, and specifically recognizes the rights of women to reach their full potential in social, economic and political activities. The policy further states that each of the districts elects one woman representative and that 30% of local councilors have to be women. It is from the above background that women form 1/3 of the local government political representation. Many of the newly elected women leaders are preparing to start their 5year political leadership.

The training is aimed at increasing the skills-set and knowledge of elected women councilors to ably engage in council and influence decision making processes, strengthening networking and knowledge sharing among district women councilors. A total of 40 newly elected women leaders were trained on their role in advancing women’s cause, Gender and its concepts, Council proceedings, women caucusing, maintaining and sustaining leadership, and tips on Lobbying and advocacy among others.

The workshop played a crucial role in preparing the female leaders to effectively represent women issues/concerns in the council and integration of women’s concerns in the district development budgets and plans.

Participants applauded ACFODE and KAS for the timely engagement on the topics that they needed most. Ms. Macklean Batwire- LCIII Chairperson Elect of Kabale Central Division note: “This is my first time in political leadership, wondering on how to conduct myself during the council proceedings, but with this knowledge I feel so confident that will ably represent my electorate”.

Tumwesigye Bridget, a woman councilor felt that she was now more empowered to take on the advocacy and lobbying roles in her new political career. “Having served on the District council for 2 terms I have always believed that the position of a District speaker is reserved for men, this training has been an eye opener that women too can confidently compete on this position. I am ready to lobby my fellow women and men councilors for support on speakership”, she proclaimed.

In conclusion, the training has provided a platform for interaction, sharing of ideas and opinions between the councillors, equipped them with the skills and information about their roles and responsibilities, advocacy, lobbying and communication skills to enable them effectively champion women’s issues in local development plans and budgets.

Overall, the road to effective participation of women in political processes is still tainted with numerous challenges as a lot of work remains to be done. For instance, only 2 out of 40 participants are on direct seats (i.e. – competed with and defeated male contestants) whilst the 38 female politicians are beneficiaries of the Affirmative action scheme by the government.