The National Women’s Council (NWC) has dismissed calls demanding that President Yoweri Museveni appoint a woman as Deputy Speaker of Parliament, saying leadership positions should not be filled purely to satisfy gender balancing debates.
Speaking on behalf of the council, spokesperson Hajat Faridah Kibowa said women across Uganda are confident that their interests will remain protected in Parliament regardless of whether the Deputy Speaker is male or female.
Kibowa argued that the country already has a strong presence of women leaders in Parliament and government, making it unnecessary to pressure the President into making appointments based solely on gender.
“Women are already represented in Parliament through different categories and leadership positions. What matters is effective leadership and service to the country,” Kibowa said.
She said Uganda has made significant progress in promoting women into positions of authority and credited President Museveni and the NRM government for advancing female leadership over the years.
Kibowa highlighted women’s representation both in the Executive and Parliament as evidence of that progress.
Uganda has had women serve at the highest levels of government, including former Vice President Specioza Kazibwe and current Vice President Jessica Alupo. Parliament has also seen women occupy the Speaker’s office, with Rebecca Kadaga previously serving in the role and Anita Among currently holding the position.
According to the Women’s Council, these milestones show that women’s political empowerment should not be measured by a single appointment.
“The President has consistently supported women’s empowerment and leadership. As women, we trust that his eventual choice will consider the broader interests of the country,” Kibowa added.
The council’s position comes amid growing political debate surrounding the leadership of the 12th Parliament and speculation over who will take up the Speaker and Deputy Speaker roles.
While some stakeholders had called for a woman to be considered for Deputy Speaker to maintain gender balance in the parliamentary leadership, the National Women’s Council says women’s participation in governance is already visible and influential across multiple institutions.
For the council, the focus should now be on leadership capability and national priorities rather than pressure tied to gender expectations.
