Uganda Women Leaders Report Continued Intimidation After January Elections

Women politicians and activists have reported continued intimidation, financial barriers and shrinking civic space after Uganda's January 2026 general elections. The concerns were raised at the post-election National Women in Leadership Conference organized by Uganda Women's Network in Kampala on 7 May 2026.

A National Coordinator of the Alliance for National Transformation said female candidates and leaders continue to face threats, online harassment, character attacks and intimidation that sometimes affect their families. The coordinator described the situation as psychological warfare and recounted considering sending her child abroad during a previous election cycle because of security threats.

"We are battling psychological warfare, threats, character assassination, online abuse and sexualized attacks," she said. She warned that the hostile political environment risks discouraging more women from seeking leadership positions. "We are sending a message that politics is dangerous," she added.

The coordinator criticized the rising cost of political participation, saying nomination fees, campaign financing demands and vote buying during the January elections disadvantaged women with limited financial resources. She said the increasing commercialisation of politics has auctioned leadership to the highest bidder.

She also raised concerns over restrictions on civic space, including tighter controls on civil society organisations, increased digital surveillance and disruptions of public gatherings. These measures continue to weaken civic engagement even after the elections, she said.

Despite women playing a major role as voters and mobilisers during the polls, they remain underrepresented in key decision-making positions, according to the coordinator. "Women's labour is needed, but their influence is denied," she said. She called for reforms in electoral justice, political financing and internal party structures.

She warned that entrenched godfatherism continues to block women's advancement in politics and urged investment in young women leaders and broader cultural change.

The Executive Director of Uganda Women's Network said the post-election period should be used to strengthen unity among women leaders and develop a shared national agenda. She urged women in politics, civil society, business and community leadership to put aside divisions.

"This is a moment to reflect, recommit, and rise," she said. She warned that fragmentation among women could slow progress on gender equality and the empowerment of girls. "We cannot afford to be divided because our cause for women's rights and gender equality is still high on the agenda," she added.

She called for the development of a coordinated five-year agenda for women. The director noted that current female leaders are beneficiaries of sacrifices made by earlier generations. While acknowledging gains in women's representation, she cautioned that new challenges are emerging regarding the quality and influence of women's leadership.

"We are now seeing issues of quality. As we address numbers, we must also address influence and impact," she said. The conference brought together women leaders from political parties, civil society, local government and community structures to harmonise priorities following the January 2026 elections.