The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is advocating for a two-term limit for women leaders elected through affirmative action, as per recommendations made during the presentation of sector reports on the 2024/2025 national budget framework paper.
The EOC, a constitutionally established body mandated to eliminate discrimination and inequalities, suggests that limiting the terms of women leaders would create opportunities for other women to actively participate in decision-making processes. Mr. Savior Kakooza, the head of legal affairs at the Commission, emphasized the need to broaden the scope of affirmative action introduced through the 1995 Constitution.
“We think that we empower everyone. Let everyone be given an opportunity. Our position has been that if a person has worked there for two or three terms, that person is no longer vulnerable. They are already empowered. Why don’t they, at that point, just move out and directly compete with men,” stated Mr. Kakooza, citing Article 21 of the Constitution, which declares equality before and under the law.
Article 32 of the Constitution supports affirmative action, stating that the State shall take measures to redress imbalances faced by marginalized groups, including gender-based imbalances. Currently, the Parliament has 188 female MPs, with 146 being district and city women MPs elected under affirmative action.
Mr. Kakooza stressed the importance of enforcing the founding principle of affirmative action, ensuring that no one is left behind. However, it remains to be seen how women representatives will respond to this proposal, given the historical context and past resistance to similar suggestions.
The EOC’s annual report for 2022/2023 highlighted the shortcomings of affirmative action, indicating that it has become a disadvantage for women as it is perceived as the only way for them to be elected to Parliament. The report emphasized the need for greater empowerment of women to encourage equal competition and representation.
Reactions from Female Leaders
- Joyce Bagala, Mityana Woman MP: Supports the idea but acknowledges uncertainty about its acceptance.
- Sarah Achieng Opendi, Tororo Woman MP: Criticizes the proposal, questioning why women are being targeted.
- Hellen Nakimuli, Kalangala Woman MP: Advocates for reinstating term limits for all political offices instead of singling out one position.
- Kaaya Nakimwero, Kiboga Woman MP: Supports the proposal to enable more women to hold the post.
- Miria Matembe, Women Rights Activist: Opposes limiting women, emphasizing their role in influencing positive change.
- Alice Alaso, Former Serere Woman MP: Criticizes the focus on term limits for women MPs instead of addressing broader political issues.
- Betty Nambooze, MP Mukono Municipality: Calls for a comprehensive review of affirmative seats to assess their relevance.
