Staff
The National Women’s Council (NWC) has moved to calm growing debate over gender balance in Parliament leadership, saying women are not opposed to a male Deputy Speaker if that is the choice eventually made.
The council’s position comes as political consultations intensify over the leadership of the 12th Parliament, with growing support emerging for current Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to retain the position.
Speaking on the matter, National Women’s Council spokesperson Hajat Faridah Kibowa said women remain confident that their interests will continue to be represented regardless of who occupies the Deputy Speaker’s office.
According to Kibowa, Parliament already has 173 female Members of Parliament serving under different categories, giving women a strong and influential presence in national decision-making.
“Women are already represented in Parliament and leadership. Our concern is not whether the Deputy Speaker is a man or woman, but whether the country gets capable leadership,” Kibowa said.
Her remarks follow renewed discussion over whether the Deputy Speaker position should go to a woman in the interest of gender balance, particularly as endorsements continue to shape the race for Parliament’s top offices.
Kibowa, however, said Uganda’s record on women’s leadership should not be overlooked.
She credited President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM government for consistently creating opportunities for women in leadership both in government and Parliament.
Uganda has had women rise to some of the country’s most powerful offices. In the Executive, women have served as Vice President, including Specioza Kazibwe and current Vice President Jessica Alupo.
Within Parliament, women have also occupied the Speaker’s office, with Rebecca Kadaga previously serving as Speaker and Anita Among currently leading the House.
“Women have been empowered and trusted with leadership before. That is why we are not under pressure about this appointment,” Kibowa added.
As the contest for parliamentary leadership continues to attract public attention, the National Women’s Council says the discussion should move beyond gender alone and focus on leadership, stability and service delivery.
The comments are likely to add another dimension to the ongoing political conversation, particularly as support continues to build around familiar faces seeking to maintain positions within Parliament leadership.
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