Forum for Women in Democracy Uganda

Mr. Julius Mukunda presenting findings to members of the Parliamentary Social Services Committee. | ©FOWODE 2010 As parliament assessed the sectoral performance of the budget framework paper, Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) engaged the Parliamentary Social Services Committee on 22 nd April 2010, to demand for improved gender responsive plans from the Health and Education sectors since they have a direct impact on the welfare of women. Mr. Julius Mukunda and Esther Nabwiire presented a position paper to the Parliamentary Committee on Social Services highlighting five priority areas of focus for the two sectors. These included - establishing a Gender Unit within the Ministry of Education to mainstream gender; utilizing the Universal Primary Education capitation grant to purchase emergency sanitary facilities for school –girls. For Ministry of Health, FOWODE emphasized the following factors; improving the drug storage and supply management and access to health care as well as e

Ken Lukyamuzi, CP, Carol Idembe Session Chair, Olara Otunnu UPC, and Dr. Abed Bwanika PDP during a panel discussion on political accountability to women. | ©FOWODE 2010 I n an interactive and exhilarating discussion this afternoon, political party leaders were put in the hot sit to explain accountability to women detailing how each party enhances women’s influence within a multiparty dispensation. Present in this session was Salaamu Musumba representing Dr. Kiiza Besigye the FDC President, Ken Lukyamuzi the Conservative Party (CP) president, Hussein Kyanjo the flag bearer of Justice Forum (JEEMA), Dr. Abed Bwanika of People’s Development Party (PDP), Olara Otunnu the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president and Takilambula Maxensia representing Nobert Mao the president of Democratic Party (DP).

On 5 th October 2010, women from all walks of life gathered at the Sheraton hotel in Kampala for the launch of the Uganda Women’s Agenda 2011-2016 “Equal by Right.” Coming at a time when Uganda is preparing for its general elections in 2011, women spearheaded by Forum for Women in Democracy presented eleven thematic pillars that government and political parties need to focus on over the next five years if the women of Uganda are to realize meaningful empowerment. These include Democracy and Governance; Information; Communication and Technology; Environment; Economic Empowerment; Women with Special Needs; Human Rights and the Law; Peace, Human Security and Dignity; Health; Education;  Institutional Mechanisms; and Uganda in Regional, International Context. Dr. Matembe expressed her disappointment for the absence of government and political party leaders. “I want on behalf of the women of this land to express my greatest disappointment that the government of Uganda is not recognizing u