Speaking at the World Women Parliamentarians Forum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Tayebwa, who led Uganda’s delegation, said the government had taken deliberate steps to increase women’s participation in decision-making.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has highlighted Uganda’s progress in women’s representation in leadership, saying women account for 35% of Parliament and nearly half of Cabinet as the country pursues greater gender inclusion in governance.
Speaking at the World Women Parliamentarians Forum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Tayebwa, who led Uganda’s delegation, said the government had taken deliberate steps to increase women’s participation in decision-making.
He told the forum that women constitute 187 of Uganda’s 529 Members of Parliament, representing approximately 35% of the House, while they account for 49% of Cabinet.
Tayebwa also cited gender and equality assessments in the budgeting process, supported by the Equal Opportunities Commission, as measures intended to ensure that women and other disadvantaged groups are considered in government programmes and resource allocation.
The two-day forum, held on October 12–13 under the theme “From Representation to Influence in the Decision-Making Process,” brings together women parliamentarians to share experiences and discuss ways of strengthening women’s influence in governance.
The discussions focus on moving beyond numerical representation to ensure women have a meaningful role in shaping policies, legislation and public decisions.
Uganda’s delegation included Lira District Woman MP Auma Linda Agnes, National Female MP for Persons with Disabilities Laura Kanushu, Wakiso District Woman MP Betty Ethel Naluyima, Soroti District Woman MP Anna Ebaju Adeke and National Female Youth MP Mercy Kanyesigye.
The forum provides a platform for participating lawmakers to exchange experiences on gender inclusion and explore measures to strengthen women’s participation and influence in political leadership.
Standfirst: Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has told an international parliamentary forum that women hold 35% of Uganda’s parliamentary seats and 49% of Cabinet positions, citing gender-sensitive budgeting as another measure supporting inclusion.
