Women’s Rights Activists Demand Action to End Electoral Violence

The organisation called on media houses to give more visibility to women leaders and counter negative stereotypes that discourage female participation in politics.

Women’s rights activists have issued a strong call to action to end electoral violence in Uganda, which they say continues to suppress women’s political participation.

In a statement ahead of International Women’s Day, the Forum for Women in Democracy (Fowode) warned that persistent violence threatens to reverse hard-fought gains in women’s empowerment.

Fowede highlighted that electoral violence—ranging from intimidation to physical attacks—has deterred women from voting, contesting for office, and engaging in political activism.

“Fear of reprisals silences women voters, candidates, and activists, perpetuating cycles of exclusion,” the statement read.

The organisation emphasised that Uganda must urgently address this issue to create an inclusive democracy.

Fowode called on state institutions, political parties, and the judiciary to take decisive action against electoral violence.

It urged security forces, including the police and army, to enforce zero-tolerance policies and undergo gender-sensitive training to handle election-related conflicts.

Political parties were also urged to reject intimidation tactics and promote peaceful elections.

Citing findings from its Deterred Not Barred report, Fowede noted that grassroots dialogue has been shown to reduce election violence by 40%.

Additionally, the organization demanded judicial impartiality in handling election-related violence, particularly cases targeting women.

It called for the expedited prosecution of offenders and alignment of legal judgments with international frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol.

Beyond violence, Fowode identified cultural stereotypes as a major barrier to women’s political participation.

Many still view direct electoral seats as reserved for men, discouraging women from contesting.

To address this, the group urged policymakers, civil society, and the public to actively support women candidates, especially ahead of Uganda’s next general elections.

“Women have proven equally capable as political leaders,” the statement asserted, calling for deliberate efforts to correct historical imbalances and unlock untapped leadership potential.

Fowode stressed that civil society organisations and the media play a critical role in changing public perceptions of women in leadership.

The organisation called on media houses to give more visibility to women leaders and counter negative stereotypes that discourage female participation in politics.

Additionally, it urged civil society to continue advocating for policy reforms that promote gender equality in governance structures.

Recognizing that gender biases start at the household level, Fowede encouraged families to challenge stereotypes and support girls’ ambitions from a young age.

It also urged individuals to reflect on their own biases and champion women leaders in their communities.

As Uganda prepares for future elections, Fowode called on all stakeholders to commit to creating a political environment where women can participate equally, freely, and safely.

“We cannot achieve progress when half the population fears violence or is sidelined by prejudice,” the statement declared.

The organization called for investments in systems that protect, mentor, and elevate women leaders while ensuring Uganda upholds its constitutional and global commitments to gender equality.

Fowode also urged citizens to maintain law and order during elections and encouraged candidates to practice mutual respect.

“Together, we can build a Uganda where every woman and girl thrives, leads, and shapes the future,” the statement concluded.

This call for action comes at a crucial time, as Uganda faces increasing scrutiny over its electoral processes.

Whether the government and political actors will heed these demands remains to be seen, but for Uganda’s women, the fight for a fair and safe political space continues.