Women’s political empowerment requires more than representation. It requires solidarity, collective advocacy and equal opportunities across political divides.

Recent concerns raised by the Democratic Party (DP) Women’s League over sexual harassment, unequal campaign financing and intimidation of women candidates have once again drawn attention to the barriers affecting women’s participation in Uganda’s political landscape.

The concerns were presented by DP Women’s League President Sarah Adong on 27 October 2026, following discussions under the Inter-Party Women’s Platform (IWOP).

The power of women working across political parties

Established in March 2023, IWOP brings together women leaders from different political parties, providing a common platform through which they can address shared challenges, exchange experiences and collectively advocate for greater women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making.

Bringing together women from parties with different political ideologies, IWOP represents an important approach to strengthening sisterhood, cooperation and dialogue in Uganda’s multiparty democracy.

Through collective engagement, the platform creates opportunities for women to amplify their voices on issues including political violence, limited access to campaign resources, internal party democracy, women’s representation and meaningful participation in decision-making.

The recent discussions demonstrate the importance of having a platform where women can identify shared challenges and pursue common solutions without losing their individual political identities.

WLEDE’s integral role in advancing women’s political leadership

Women Leadership Development (WLEDE) has played an integral role in advancing women’s leadership and strengthening cross-party engagement in Uganda.

Through sustained engagement with political parties, women’s leagues and women leaders, WLEDE has contributed to building spaces for dialogue, leadership development, collective advocacy and increased participation in political processes.

Its work recognises that meaningful political empowerment requires strengthening women not only to participate in elections but also to influence political party structures, shape policies and occupy decision-making positions.

WLEDE’s contribution to strengthening the Inter-Party Women’s Platform reflects its broader commitment to building a political environment in which women from different backgrounds and political affiliations can work together on issues affecting their leadership and participation.

Moving from representation to meaningful influence

As Uganda approaches another electoral cycle, the issues raised through IWOP reinforce the need for political parties and relevant institutions to address barriers affecting women candidates and leaders.

Equal access to campaign resources, protection from harassment and intimidation, stronger women’s structures within political parties and meaningful representation in decision-making are essential to inclusive democracy.

At WLEDE, we believe that political differences should not prevent women from pursuing shared goals of equality, dignity and meaningful participation.

When women across political parties find common ground, their collective voice becomes a powerful instrument for advancing inclusive leadership and strengthening democracy.

Different political parties. One shared commitment: Women’s leadership.

Sources: Nexus Media (28 October 2026); Nile Post (21 October 2023); International Republican Institute (2024).