A Gender Map of Women’s Participation in Peace Processes and Political Transition in

Uganda

By Dr. Florence Kyoheirwe FlorenceMakerere University

Department of Women and Gender Studies

Kampala

Retracing Uganda’s Political History Women in war and Conflict What are the gains? Challenges Attempted solutions Conclusion

Presentation Outline

Uganda becomes independent (1962)◦ Characterised by turbulent and tragic history-

Idi Amin, Obote I & II Restoration of Peace – NRA/NRM takes

over government in 1986◦ Some stability – mainly central and south

western◦ Rebel Insurgencies

ADF in the Western Region (1990’s) UPDA North Eastern Uganda (mid 1980’s) Holy Spirit Movement by Alice Lakwena – NE Uganda

(late 1980’s) LRA in Northern Uganda – Since 1987 to date

Retracing Uganda’s Political History

Women in war and conflicts/Peace building efforts

Brutal Gov’ts prepared women for political action ◦ Women as combatants in the

Liberation struggle (NRA) – women had no option but to join armed struggle

◦ Women in war zones became strategic spaces for empowerment – decision makers

◦ Demonstrations/Peace March (1985 coup,

◦ Writing Memorandum to government officials

◦ Documenting women’s experiences (Isis-Wicce etc)

◦ Capacity building◦ Awareness creation through Peace

conferences, workshops, seminars, Public dialogues

◦ Provision of Psychosocial support, health care, counselling services,

◦ Individual efforts – Hon Betty Bigombe and others

What are the gains? Liberation struggle –

Women’s issues as human rights

Women’s issues gaining visibility – space for organising

Constitutional review Legal and policy

Framework Institutional

mechanism for gender mainstreaming

Increased political participation

Challenges

Uncertain Political environment

Poor endowment in resources (time and money)

Patriarchal ideologies The politics of patronage Inadequate capacity to

engage in political debates◦ Lack of skills in public

speaking and inadequate capacity to engage with technical reports

Multi-party dispensation Political differences

Attempted solutions Provide space for

mobilisation and organising, building alliances – Juba Peace Talks

Inclusion of women in post-war transitional arrangements and administration

Capacity Building Involving community

members Demonstrations, writing

memoranda Advocacy and Lobbying

Women’s activism in civil society is the main force behind friendly legislative and policy change

Strong and autonomous movements can magnify the influence and provide support to counter balance resistance to enactment of women friendly policies and laws for long lasting peace and women’s empowerment.

Conclusion

Thank you For Your Attention