By Munirah Suwed
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections, political activity is gaining momentum across the country. Aspirants are crisscrossing constituencies, seeking support for presidential, parliamentary, and local government positions. Yet beneath the growing excitement lies a persistent gap, one that continues to exclude women and other marginalized groups from meaningful political participation.
The presidential race alone has attracted eight contenders, none of whom is a woman. This national picture is mirrored at the local level, particularly in the Karamoja sub-region, where long-standing cultural norms and limited civic and voter education continue to shape who contests, and who leads.
In Moroto District, close to 250 candidates have been nominated for parliamentary, local government, and special interest group positions. Women make up a significant portion of these candidates, totaling 143. However, despite their numerical strength, only one woman is contesting for a directly elected constituency seat. The rest are competing for positions reserved under affirmative action, reinforcing the perception that leadership through open contest remains a male preserve.
According to Thomas Odelok of the Karamoja Women Umbrella Organisation, this imbalance stems largely from limited civic engagement and voter education. He argues that many women have not been sufficiently empowered with the knowledge and confidence needed to challenge entrenched beliefs about leadership.
“Civic education is critical in demystifying the idea that directly contested political positions belong to men. Without it, women internalize these myths and shy away from leadership,” Odelok explains.
He adds that the situation is further complicated by conflict, disunity among women, and what he describes as “invisible forces,” which are said to be male-dominated power structures that influence political outcomes. The increasing monetization of politics has also raised the cost of participation, effectively locking out many women who lack access to financial resources.
Community attitudes continue to play a decisive role. Howard Kathikou, a resident of Moroto, notes that religious teachings and social norms have reinforced the belief that women should not lead men.
“People are taught that it is unnatural for women to lead men,” he says. These beliefs, then, become deeply rooted and are difficult to challenge, even during elections.
For women who attempt to defy these norms, the risks are high. Hellen Kiyai, a candidate for the Moroto Woman Member of Parliament seat, says intimidation and threats remain a major deterrent.
She adds that violence directed towards women has also pushed a number of them out of politics before they even begin. This is in addition to family responsibilities, stereotypes, and biases, that complicate the situation.
Maggie Awas Lorika echoes these concerns, arguing that the political environment in Karamoja is inherently unfriendly to women. Leadership, she says, is still widely viewed as a male domain, while women are weighed down by domestic responsibilities that leave little room for political engagement.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope. Christine Akot, the former Moroto District Vice Chairperson and a contestant for Woman District Councillor for South Division, is urging women to step beyond their comfort zones. She believes education and mentorship are key to transforming the political landscape.
She argues that women must prepare themselves and be bold enough to lead, emphasizing that education gives confidence, and mentorship creates a support system that many women lack. Akot has taken it upon herself to train and mentor young women, nurturing a new generation of leaders who are confident, informed, and assertive.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, the experience of Moroto District highlights a broader national challenge. Without sustained investment in civic and voter education, women and marginalized groups will continue to be underrepresented in decision-making spaces. Addressing these barriers is not just about numbers on the ballot, but rather about ensuring inclusive democracy where leadership reflects the voices and realities of all citizens.
