The role of civil society in promoting women’s right to political participation in Uganda (2006 - 2016): a case study of Nakawa Division, Kampala district central Uganda.

Abstract

This research was concerned with examining the role of civil society (CS) in promoting women’s right to political participation in Uganda since 2006-2016, Nakawa division, Kampala District, Central Uganda. This was the period following the experience of general elections where civil society engagement and women participation has been more pronounced over the years. The study’s objectives included examining the relevant legal and institutional framework that support civil society in promoting the right of women to political participation in Uganda, assessing the contribution of civil society towards promotion of the right to political participation of women and the challenges civil society encounters in empowering women politically to participate in Ugandan politics. The study employed the methodology of qualitative and quantitative technique of data collection methods where questionnaires, interviews document analysis were used. The target group population comprised of civil society organizations involved in promoting women’s rights, local council leaders and women leaders in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, Uganda. The findings of the study were that the civil society plays a significant role in advocating for gender equality and women’s rights in Nakawa Division and Uganda in general while seeking to increase women’s participation in all decision making organs and participation in politics. However, Civil Society face challenges of historical, cultural, social-economic setbacks for instance patriarchal societal beliefs, gender-stereo types, lack of funds, administrative inefficiency, political interference, donor conditionalities and competition among organizations for donor funding. The study recommended that Civil Society in Uganda need to overcome these challenges in order to support women’s political participation. This can be done through increased civic education, improving CSs funding, empowering women through empowerment programmes that enhance skill and capacity building, by networking with stakeholders with whom the CSs share same interests and holding joint activities for projects sharing similar outcome.