Speaker of parliament Anita Among (PHOTO/Courtesy)
In an unprecedented move, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) in Uganda has proposed a ground-breaking two-term limit for all elected women leaders entering politics through affirmative action measures. This initiative pivots on the principle that affirmative action, a mechanism put in place by the 1995 Constitution, should not be a privilege for a select range of women.
Instead, it should pave the way for a wider spectrum of women to join the political arena and participate in decision-making processes.
Passing the Baton to Other Women
According to Mr. Savior Kakooza, the head of legal affairs at the EOC, the crux of the matter is the belief that those who have served two or even three tenures are now empowered and should compete in the same arena as their male counterparts. The proposal’s fundamental aim is to pass the torch to other women who are still regarded as vulnerable.
Current Scenario of Women Representation
At present, Uganda’s Parliament boasts a significant count of females elected under various affirmative action provisions. The EOC maintains that to keep affirmative action relevant and effective, it must adhere to the principle of not leaving anyone behind.
Resistance and Skepticism
However, this proposal has stirred skepticism and resistance among women representatives and activists. They argue that such a limit might unfairly target women and overlook other pressing issues, such as presidential term limits. The responses from female MPs and activists are polarized. Some welcome the idea, while others perceive it as an attempt to undermine women’s roles in politics. They suggest that term limits should apply to all political offices, not just women’s seats.
The EOC’s annual report has indicated that affirmative action has its drawbacks, primarily as it fosters the belief that women can only be elected through affirmative action, thus highlighting the need for more empowerment for equal competition and representation.
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