Women activists have developed a manifesto through which they will inform political parties and stakeholders about gender concerns ahead of next year's elections.
During a dialogue at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Monday, several NGOs addressed issues that affect women and have been poorly handled in the past.
The dialogue discussed women issues for 2011to 2016 that will indicate the progress Uganda has made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
These issues are critical to gender equality and the wellbeing of women.
Surveys were conducted by the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) in 20 districts to gather the views of women about the challenges they face and how they would like the next government to address them.
Patricia Munabi Babiiha, the head of FOWODE, said the issues included violence. “Issues concerning electoral violence have been a big problem as women have been victimised. Women are battered and sexually harassed by the ‘Kiboko Squad' during this period, which infringes on their privacy,” Said Solome Nakaweesi, the head of Akina Mama wa Afrika, an NGO.
She added that the Police should clearly state the authorities responsible for enforcing law and order.
Others issues raised included women's health and illiteracy. Jane Mpagi, the director for gender and community development in the gender ministry, said: “We call upon citizens to use their power and rights to choose the right people to lead them.”
