Forum for Women in Democracy Uganda

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 recognizi...