Women speak out!

A statement on the recent elections by the women of Uganda

We, the women of Uganda, congratulate fellow citizens for having actively participated in the 2^nd multiparty elections since Uganda returned to multiparty system of democracy in 2005.

We further congratulate those elected to the different leadership positions, particularly the women who had to overcome significant cultural and systemic barriers to get into these positions. As we start a new period of nation building, we take time to reflect on some of the successes and shortcomings of the election so that we can build on the successes and identify mechanisms to mitigate the shortcomings for a better future. Prior to the elections, sections of the public expressed lack of confidence in the Electoral Commission. A series of demonstrations and dialogues were organized in different parts of the country calling for electoral reforms and an overhaul of the current Electoral Commission in favour of an independent body to manage the entire electoral process. Government was not able to respond effectively to these demands maintaining that it had the ability to organize a free and fair election.

In the end, the fears of many were proven true during an election that was characterized by massive vote buying, rigging, and connivance of some Electoral Commission officials to influence the results of the elections as was reported by the media and international election observers. Many polling stations which were supposed to open by 7am, were still waiting for election materials at 9:30 am, and these materials often arrived unescorted on ‘boda-bodas’ in some places. Rampant inconsistencies in the voter’s register led to disenfranchisement of many Ugandans thus denying them their constitutional right to vote. On one of the news highlights on elections, a woman was found with ballot boxes in her house, which is evidence of the Electoral Commission’s failure to secure safe passage for election materials and their escorts from the polling stations to the district offices.

In addition to the above, there was
heavy deployment of police and other security personnel during the election period and fears were raised about the possible effect of the heavy deployment on the election result. Although there were assurances that the military police were there to protect the citizens, the deployment, which went right down to the rural areas, was intimidating to the populace and we still witnessed many cases of violence, which in some cases was perpetuated by the police.

As peace loving Ugandans, the women of Uganda condemn in the strongest terms the widespread monetization of the campaigns, the rampant vote buying, the violence and excessive militarization that were felt to be necessary by relevant actors. We note that a culture of impunity has given boldness to the practice of corruption and lawlessness that characterize our society today. These are all clear signs of the deep crisis in which our society finds itself today. We recall the bitter experiences Ugandans went through as a result of a disputed election in 1980. We therefore call upon all leaders at all levels to condemn unequivocally the illegal and unconstitutional acts that were witnessed during these elections. The Government and the opposition must come together and use diplomatic means to create an enabling and safe environment for winners and losers of this election to live together in harmony. As we start to rebuild our country, we call on our leaders to prioritize issues that are pertinent to the ordinary Ugandan such as health, education, personal security, and employment among others. Money needs to be redirected towards service delivery and transformation of the lives of the average Ugandan.

Recommendations:

It is imperative that the Government of Uganda responds to the African Union, European Union and Commonwealth observations, which included vote rigging, violence, vote buying, intimidation and harassment of the electorate.

The general elections were a unique opportunity to refocus the attention of key stakeholders to the needs and concerns of the women of Uganda. We do not only want to define the national agenda, but also set the pace and direction of our nation. As stated in “Equal by Right: The Uganda Women’s Agenda 2011 – 2016”, we wish to see a post-election review of the electoral process, with key stakeholders, to re-think the composition of an independent Electoral Commission that exercises autonomy in line with the Uganda Constitution.

Government of Uganda should take immediate steps to demilitarize all armed groups and militia because the escalating levels of firearms in Uganda is of great concern for all us.

We condemn the kiboko squads and youth militia who cause mayhem to peaceful voters. We call on Ugandan Citizens to have a sense of civic duty not to violate the rights of others, and to respect and work with all relevant institutions to protect and promote the rights of fellow citizens.

We call on civil society to upscale its mandate of ensuring citizens are re-introduced to civic education, the duties and rights of citizens, patriotism as well as individual and collective responsibility towards nation building. Citizens must be socialized to understand, exercise, and promote their rights in a constructive manner.

Finally, We recommend a national dialogue to embark on the difficult, but most worthy, journey of reforming our country through a collaborative approach to define and agree on the roles of the different stakeholder for the next 5 years and to rehabilitate our social service including hospitals, schools, roads, and social construct at large in an equitable, just and fair manner.

These stakeholders include, The President of Uganda, Heads of Political Parties, Inspector General of Police, and Chief-Uganda People’s Defense Force, Justice Law & Order Sector, Civil Society and the Legislature. This dialogue will be a first step to reconciling positions to enable a spirit and will of cooperation from the LC1 to Presidential level