LUCAS MUSISI
In Uganda, the recent elections have underscored a disturbing trend: an escalation in violence against women voters, particularly in the Teso and Acholi sub-regions. The latest policy brief published by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) has unveiled a troubling pattern of physical altercations and verbal confrontations at polling stations, with women being coerced into voting for specific candidates or facing intimidation.
“Violence against women during elections is not only a denial of their democratic rights but also a serious impediment to their participation in the political process,” says the policy brief published on the EPRC website.
Despite Uganda’s progress in women’s electoral participation, the persistence of election-related violence poses a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process, according to the brief. In Teso, 41% of women reported being instructed on whom to vote for, while in Acholi, intimidation at polling stations was prevalent. “In contrast, regions like Tooro, Northern Buganda, and Lango reported fewer incidents, highlighting a geographical disparity in the safety and freedom of women voters,” the policy brief found.
The EPRC’s policy brief draws on data from the 2020 National Violence Against Women and Girls survey, noting that a staggering 68 percent of women experienced election violence, with the incidence being higher in rural areas. Women over 30 years old faced the highest levels of coercion, with nearly 87 percent reporting election-related violence compared to 46 percent among younger women.
“This disparity not only reflects the urgent need for targeted interventions but also the broader societal challenges that prevent women from exercising their electoral rights freely,” the EPRC brief added.
The government has taken steps to address these challenges. The Uganda AIDS Commission, for instance, has been pivotal in mainstreaming gender issues in its policies to reduce inequalities that exacerbate election violence. Moreover, the Ministry of Finance has mandated all governmental bodies to allocate funds specifically for combating violence against women in elections.
However, the underlying causes of election violence are deeply rooted in cultural and societal norms. The commercialization of politics, where candidates distribute money or gifts to influence voters, exacerbates the violence. Moreover, cultural pressures often dictate that women should conform to the political preferences of their male family members, limiting their ability to vote according to their own beliefs.
The situation is further complicated by the method of voting. The queuing system, reintroduced to reduce electoral costs, diminishes voter anonymity, and exposes women to potential retaliation or coercion.
Experts argue that addressing violence against women in elections requires a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing voter education, and promoting cultural change to ensure women can participate freely and safely in the political process.
As Uganda moves toward its next electoral cycle, the focus remains on safeguarding the democratic rights of all citizens, particularly women, to participate without fear of violence or coercion. This will be crucial in ensuring the legitimacy and integrity of future elections.