As political discussions around the leadership of the 12th Parliament continue to gather momentum, the National Women’s Council (NWC) has signaled support for a merit-based approach to the Deputy Speaker position, insisting that women’s representation should not be judged through a single appointment.
The remarks come at a time when the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has thrown its weight behind Thomas Tayebwa to retain the Deputy Speaker seat, a development that has reignited debate over whether the role should instead go to a woman in the name of gender balance.
Speaking on behalf of the National Women’s Council, Hajat Faridah Kibowa said women are comfortable with whichever choice is eventually made, stressing that Uganda already has strong female representation in Parliament.
According to Kibowa, the presence of 173 female Members of Parliament across different categories—including district women representatives and special interest groups—demonstrates that women’s voices remain firmly represented in national leadership.
“We have many women in Parliament who are capable of representing the interests of women and contributing to national development. Leadership should be guided by service and ability,” Kibowa said.
Kibowa further credited Yoweri Museveni and the NRM government for expanding opportunities for women in leadership over the years.
She pointed to Uganda’s history of female leadership in both the Executive and Parliament, noting that the country has had women serve as Vice President, including Specioza Kazibwe and current Vice President Jessica Alupo.
She also highlighted women’s leadership within Parliament, where Rebecca Kadaga previously served as Speaker and Anita Among currently holds the office.
For the Women’s Council, these milestones show that women’s empowerment in Uganda extends beyond one parliamentary position.
“The President has consistently promoted women into leadership. Because of that record, women are not anxious about whether the Deputy Speaker is male or female,” Kibowa added.
While some voices have pushed for a woman to be considered for the Deputy Speaker role to maintain gender balance, the council maintains that the focus should remain on experience, leadership and the country’s broader interests.
With endorsements and political consultations continuing, the debate over parliamentary leadership remains active—but for the Women’s Council, women’s influence in governance is already well established.
