On the 28th March 2026, The Institute of Gender and Development Studies, Makerere University joined Elevate Her Uganda, in its high level Convening of Female Members of Parliament – Elect at Hotel Africana. The convening theme was “Empowered Leadership: Balancing Public Service, Family and Financial Stewardship”.
About Elevate Her Uganda
Elevate Her, Uganda is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls in rural and urban communities. The organisation aims to transform women’s lives through education, skills training, business support, leadership and advocacy for gender equality and social transformation. Elevate Her Uganda envisions a society where women and girls have equal opportunities, rights, and resources to thrive and reach their full potential.
About the event and IDGS participation
The High-level convening at Hotel Africana was conceived around the there of women’s political leadership and was aimed bringing together newly elected women leaders, former legislators, policy makers, academia, diplomats, development partners to reflect on the nature and character of legislation in Uganda, women’s voice in the legislature, the achievements women have registered in political leadership, the obstacles to meaningful women’s participation and strategies to enable women balance their legislative role with other societal expectations.
The high-level convening was graced by the Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. The IGDS, represented by Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine, participated on the high-level panel entitled “Navigating Leadership aa a Woman in a public Office”. Panelists included;
- Hon Hope Mwesigye, former Minister and legislator
- Rt Rev Johnson Twinomujuni, Bishop West Ankole Diocese
- Hon Peace Mutuzo, State Minister for Gender and Culture
- Brigadier Charity Beinabaabo, UPDF.
- Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine, Senior Lecturer, IGDS, Makerere University.
- H.E Frederieke Quispel, Ambassador, Netherlands.
The panel brought a rich and diverse experience into the question of women political leadership, especially how to effectively perform one’s legislative mandate amidst complex expectations about women in political leadership.
In his contribution, Dr Mwiine reminded the newly elected women MPs and other political leaders that their election into office is not a favour but rather a right enshrined in the constitution of Uganda. He reminded women political leaders not to look down upon themselves but to claim the legislative space, invest in their individual and capacities to deliver in public spaces, be aware of the constant threat of patriarchy that pushes against women in politics and strategize to counter backlash against women’s role in legislature. Dr Mwiine noted the following:
“Without doubt, women’s presence in politics leads to a significant shift in the public conversation. There are certain issues Women MPs that have come before you have put on the legislative agenda; issues that would have not seen the light of day in male-dominated spaces e.g.,GBV, VAW, maternal health, girls education. Be inspired by women who were trail brazers like Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga and make your own contribution”.