Sabir Musa: As the 2026 polls approach, a renewed political debate is emerging in the West Nile sub-region, where more women than ever before are stepping forward to contest elective leadership positions that men have long dominated. From parliamentary seats to mayoral offices, the growing presence of female aspirants is challenging long-held political norms and sparking conversations about gender, power, and leadership.
In the current electoral cycle, several women have declared interest in positions traditionally viewed as the preserve of men. Among them are Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, contesting for Okoro County in Zombo District; Nezima Ocokoru, vying for the Arua Central Division mayoral seat; Phiona Onzima, seeking to represent Ayivu West Constituency in Arua City; Lenia Charity, contesting for Vurra County in Arua District; and Jackline Opar, aspiring to become Mayor of Nebbi Municipality.
Political analysts observe that gender is increasingly being weaponised during election periods to restrict competition, protect entrenched political interests, and preserve existing leadership structures. They argue that such tactics disproportionately affect women, many of whom face intimidation, ridicule, and gender-based attacks designed to discourage them from contesting mainstream political positions.
Peace Abaru, the Executive Director of Peace for Women West Nile, a community-based organisation advocating for women’s rights, says the political environment remains hostile for female aspirants.
“We must deliberately give women opportunities to express themselves in political spaces,” Abaru said. “When you look at the number of women in political positions, it is encouraging. But hate speech and intimidation are forcing many women to withdraw instead of taking up their rightful space.”
Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, under Article 32(2), provides for affirmative action aimed at addressing historical gender imbalances in leadership. However, critics argue that while the provision was intended to empower women, it has at times been used to confine them to reserved seats rather than support their participation across all levels of leadership.
Across the West Nile, misinformation continues to circulate in some communities, claiming that women are unfit to lead. These views are often reinforced by cultural and religious narratives, which activists say are frequently misinterpreted and misused for political gain.
Women leaders and political aspirants in the region have strongly rejected such claims, pointing to their experience in public service, community mobilisation, and governance.
Nezima Ocokoru, a candidate for the Arua Central Division mayoral seat, argues that leadership should be judged on competence and accountability rather than gender. She urged voters to focus on the policies and plans presented by candidates during campaigns.
“These positions are not ring-fenced to a particular gender but rather to people who are capable and meet the qualifications to contest,” Ocokoru said. She also called on the public to reject misinformation aimed at weakening women competing in open elective positions.
Similarly, Phiona Onzima, a parliamentary aspirant for Ayivu West Constituency, said underdevelopment in the area is a result of leadership gaps rather than the gender of those elected.
“For the past few years in Ayivu West, we have not had consultative leadership, and that is why the constituency has remained backward in terms of development and representation,” Onzima said. “If the people of Ayivu West come together and stand behind me, I will represent them effectively on the floor of Parliament.”
Civil society organisations have warned that persistent negative attitudes toward women in leadership risk undermining progress on gender equality and denying voters the opportunity to elect capable leaders. They caution that unless such biases are addressed, many qualified women may continue to be pushed out of competitive political spaces. As the 2026 elections draw closer, the unfolding contest in West Nile is not only about who wins political office, but also about redefining leadership and ensuring that merit, not gender determines who leads.
