Equal Numbers or the Quality of Representation? Gender Analysis of Women’s Representation in the Ugandan Governance Structures

Abstract

The paper focuses on how descriptive representation could be changed to
substantive representation in the Ugandan system of governance in the 1995-2025
period. Although affirmative action policies have been effective in increasing the
representation of women in parliament as of 2025, there is still a large disparity in
representation. This paper explores ways in which institutional designs and
political processes mediate the shift in physical presence to meaningful and
transformative influence of governance. The research design is mixed-method and
draws on the Gender Analysis Matrix to examine governance through four factors,
namely, labour, access, control, and benefits. The main sources of data were
document analysis and semi-structured interviews with 46 female leaders and 3
focus group discussions involving 10 participants. The focus group discussions
gave details on the patriarchal restrictions, which were inherent in the different
levels of politics, inflexible party patronage, and an extreme lack of resources. An
intersectional analysis also shows that affirmative action has left behind the
decision-making process to a political elite and usually left out the grassroots and
rural women in the decision-making process. Some suggestions for reforms
include changing political parties to be gender balanced, appointing women to
technical and economic ministries, and creating a Gendered Political Fund to
promote financial independence.