By Dr. Florence Kyoheirwe Florence Makerere University Department of Women and Gender Studies Kampala

Retracing Ugandas Political History Women in war and Conflict What are the gains? Challenges Attempted solutions Conclusion

Uganda becomes independent (1962) Characterised by turbulent and tragic history- Idi Amin, Obote I & II Restoration of Peace – NRA/NRM takes over government in 1986 Some stability – mainly central and south western Rebel Insurgencies ADF in the Western Region (1990s) UPDA North Eastern Uganda (mid 1980s) Holy Spirit Movement by Alice Lakwena – NE Uganda (late 1980s) LRA in Northern Uganda – Since 1987 to date

Brutal Govts prepared women for political action Women as combatants in the Liberation struggle (NRA) – women had no option but to join armed struggle Women in war zones became strategic spaces for empowerment – decision makers Demonstrations/Peace March (1985 coup, Writing Memorandum to government officials Documenting womens experiences (Isis-Wicce etc) Capacity building Awareness creation through Peace conferences, workshops, seminars, Public dialogues Provision of Psychosocial support, health care, counselling services, Individual efforts – Hon Betty Bigombe and others

Liberation struggle – Womens issues as human rights Womens issues gaining visibility – space for organising Constitutional review Legal and policy Framework Institutional mechanism for gender mainstreaming Increased political participation

Uncertain Political environment Poor endowment in resources (time and money) Patriarchal ideologies The politics of patronage Inadequate capacity to engage in political debates Lack of skills in public speaking and inadequate capacity to engage with technical reports Multi-party dispensation Political differences

Provide space for mobilisation and organising, building alliances – Juba Peace Talks Inclusion of women in post- war transitional arrangements and administration Capacity Building Involving community members Demonstrations, writing memoranda Advocacy and Lobbying

Womens activism in civil society is the main force behind friendly legislative and policy change Strong and autonomous movements can magnify the influence and provide support to counter balance resistance to enactment of women friendly policies and laws for long lasting peace and womens empowerment.

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