By Jamillah Kemigisa
As the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) kicked off its LC1 nomination exercise across Bunyangabu District, a sobering contradiction emerged between the party’s stated commitment to gender equity and the stark reality on the ground.
Out of 227 candidates nominated on the first day, only 21 were women—less than 10 percent. This striking disparity raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the NRM’s gender inclusion policies, particularly at the grassroots level where leadership pathways often begin.
The week-long nomination period, which runs until April 30, is part of the build-up to the LC1 elections scheduled for May 6. The process spans multiple local structures including youth councils, women’s councils, and committees for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Yet the glaring underrepresentation of women in the early nominations has sparked concern among citizens, gender advocates, and local observers.
Speaking at the launch, Bunyangabu District NRM Registrar Robert Musime acknowledged the gender imbalance but stopped short of offering concrete solutions. “The turnout is good, but the number of women coming forward is worryingly low,” he said. However, no strategic measures were announced to boost female participation or address the systemic barriers they face.
In contrast, male candidates expressed satisfaction with the nomination process. Byakagaba Chris, contesting for LC1 Chairperson in Busamba and a former vice chairperson, lauded the efficiency of the exercise. “I paid only 10,000 shillings as determined by the Electoral Commission. The service was quick despite the long queue,” he noted. “I’m tired of being under the chairperson’s armpit — now I want to lead.”
For many women, however, the hurdles go far beyond administrative fees or waiting in line. Structural inequalities—rooted in entrenched cultural norms, economic disadvantage, and institutional neglect—continue to limit their political participation, especially in rural communities like Bunyangabu.
Despite Uganda’s internationally lauded frameworks for gender equality, including constitutional protections and parliamentary quotas, the benefits of these measures have yet to trickle down to the local level. Experts argue that unless intentional interventions are made, grassroots politics will remain the preserve of men.
Civil society organizations have long cautioned that gender parity in Uganda risks being reduced to a symbolic gesture. “You can’t claim to champion women’s empowerment in Kampala while turning a blind eye to what’s happening in the villages,” said one local activist who preferred anonymity.
The current figures not only cast doubt on the sincerity of the NRM’s gender equity agenda but also reflect a deeper issue within Uganda’s political ecosystem: a failure to support and invest in women at the start of their leadership journeys.
As the nomination window approaches its close, both the NRM and the Electoral Commission face an important test. Will they take proactive steps to ensure greater female representation, or will this become another missed opportunity to build a more inclusive democracy?
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