Women leaders under fire as corruption scandals shake Uganda

There was a time when women were proud of their representation in parliament and government offices, but lately, the character of women in power is coming under scrutiny.

The news that the three Ugandan officials sanctioned by the UK for corruption are all women has been particularly shocking and unprecedented.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, former minister for Karamoja Affairs Dr Maria Goretti Kitutu, and former minister of State for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu have received far-reaching sanctions from the UK government for their roles in corruption and the theft of iron sheets intended for some of Uganda’s poorest in Karamoja.

This development raises important questions: what do other Ugandan women think about the current female leaders in power? Is this still a case of women’s emancipation, or have women simply been emancipated to steal as ‘efficiently’ as their male counterparts?

The era of pioneering female leaders such as Miria Matembe, Cecilia Ogwal, Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, Winnie Byanyima, Winnie Kiiza, Salaamu Musumba, Victoria Ssekitoleko, Joyce Mpanga, Rhoda Kalema, and a few others has come to an end. These trailblazers set a high standard for integrity and dedication in public service.

In their place, a new generation of female politicians has emerged, leaving many of the women they represent cringing in embarrassment. The recent sanctions imposed by the UK on Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, former minister for Karamoja Affairs Dr Maria Goretti Kitutu, and former minister of State for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu for their involvement in corruption have only intensified this sentiment.

Here is what some Ugandan women have to say about the current state of female political leadership:

Najjumba Jovia Ssali, 23, law student

“Do I think the new crop of female politicians have kept and fueled the agenda that led to the women’s representation movement? My answer is yes, they have sustained the far-fetched dream; however, it has now become a political card used by most, hence forgetting the core values.

I believe there is more that can be done by the women members of  parliament in Uganda. There is need to address and work on certain gender barriers that are never addressed. I am not disappointed with the regime because we are surely not moving backwards.”

(Name withheld on request), 28, lawyer

“[Rebecca] Kadaga’s regime and the women politicians during Idi Amin’s regime were good. Kadaga was motherly, and her regime often reflected on the question: ‘What will Uganda look like without me?’ She made foresighted decisions. But the people we have now...!”

Nambaziira Vivian, 29, trader

“Jennifer Musisi (former KCCA executive director) and Rebecca Kadaga (former speaker of parliament) ...those ladies really gave attention to the muntu wa wansi (people at the grassroots). They were not greedy; they were truthful and patriotic.

The impact of corrupt women officials on the women of Uganda, particularly young women, is profound and multifaceted. From perpetuating inequality and injustice to impeding access to essential services and eroding trust in institutions, the consequences are far-reaching and detrimental to the development and empowerment of women.”

Victoria Ssekitoleko, 75, activist, former cabinet minister, former diplomat

“In a democracy, the people get the leadership they elect and deserve, irrespective of gender. Is it still emancipation? Yes! Maybe slow, but ongoing. Women’s emancipation is moving at the same pace and style as the rest of Uganda!”

Jackline Atim, 37, teacher

“Please, can we stop pretending that those demanding accountability are homosexuals? It is now embarrassing.”

Dr Patricia Litho, board chair UMWA; assistant commissioner for communication, ministry of Energy

“Comparing different generations of women politicians is complex because each era faces unique challenges and opportunities. The earlier generation often had to break through significant barriers to even enter politics, paving the way for future generations.

As a women’s rights advocate, I believe in holding all individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of gender. While it’s concerning that all the sanctioned individuals in this case happen to be women, it is essential to focus on addressing corruption and promoting transparency, irrespective of the gender of those involved.

Women can and should be held to the same standards of integrity and accountability as men. It is crucial to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or narratives that could undermine efforts to achieve gender equality. Most importantly, women who have been suddenly thrust into leadership positions must be prepared and given proper orientation on leadership and accountability.”

Nantongo Peninah, 82, vendor (translated)

“I think the Speaker [Anita Annet Among] should stand firm on the [anti-homosexuality] law that she helped pass, and not dance to the White man’s fiddle. For the sake of our country and our culture, she should stand firm.”

Nakisozi Betty, 45, headteacher

“I have some personalities I feel have tried to represent us as women – Miria Matembe, Rebecca Kadaga, and Jane Ruth Acheng are some of them. They say, ‘What a man can do, a woman can do better.’ However, these women politicians have been influenced by male politicians who have become wolves and vultures. They observe how those men become billionaires in the blink of an eye! This makes women feel that if others can [steal], we [too] can, and this mentality spoils the integrity of motherhood in them.”

(Name withheld on request), 26, trader

“Most Ugandan politicians enter politics for government money [and not to serve]; that is why we still have and will always have corruption problems.”

Anita Rina, 24, journalist

“I am disappointed with the reputation they have showcased to the public. When it comes to Agnes Nandutu, she transitioned from being a public figure in the media industry that many women looked up to, to being accused of stealing iron sheets meant to help people in Karamoja. This is very unfair, given that many people in Uganda are suffering, starving, or even homeless.”

(Name withheld on request), 65, newspaper vendor (translated)

“I only care about my job because those politicians do not help or concern me. There is no woman politician I can say she did it for me because I suffer alone selling newspapers.”

Dr Emily Maractho,

“Women leaders must be held accountable like the others. It does not set a good example when women leaders are named in corruption
and demonstrate poor leadership. However, it is important to recognize that we are dealing with an all-time low in our governance indicators, with corruption featuring prominently.

This is a culture that implicates both men and women. For women, some of it is really uninspiring. The fact that only women were sanctioned speaks to the level of institutional malaise we are experiencing. This does not mean only women are corrupt. There is more to this, including the character of the individuals involved.”

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Here is why tourists get addicted to Uganda’s beauty

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

Lake Mburo national park is the smallest national park in Uganda and the closest to Kampala, which means you don’t need to travel a long distance for that safari experience in the wild.

The park has a long history of a harmonious co-existence with the ranching community and it is very common to see zebras grazing with cattle along the Kampala-Mbarara highway, even before entering the park.

The park has 68 mammal species like zebras, kobs, impalas, buffaloes, bush bugs and warthogs which are also seen grazing freely with the cattle, a harmonious co-existence that cannot be seen in other parks around the country. There is a very limited number of cats such as leopards, and no lions at all, which has made the population of herbivorous animals in the park to multiply rapidly.

The park also has a variety of bird species such as shoebills, crested cranes, pelicans, herons, African fin foot and storks, which can’t be missed because of the park’s well-angulated location and suitability.

This small park offers more than just a game drive through its 260 square kilometres. It is the only savannah woodland national park where you can do a walking safari and have a close interaction with the animals, which makes it a much friendlier park to visit.

Tourists can also engage in cycling with sport bikes and horse riding through the park, breaking away from the monotony of game drives as the only way to spot animals in national parks. All these activities are possible because of the limited number of carnivores in the park which tourists are always cautious of while visiting game parks.

JINJA, SOURCE OF RIVER NILE

Referred to as the adventure capital of east africa, Jinja city located in Eastern Uganda provides tourists with a wide array of adventure, adrenaline rushing activities all done along the River Nile, the longest river in the world.

These activities include zip lining, bungee jumping, white water rafting, quad biking, water tubing, water cycling, kayaking and boat cruises. However, the most attractive aspect of Jinja is that it is where the source of River Nile is found.

The exact point where the river waters separate from the Lake Victoria waters to start the Nile’s 6,696 kilometers journey to the Mediterranean sea, is found in Jinja. At the point where the waters separate, a poster was positioned and tourists can reach this point with the help of motorized boats available at the river banks.

NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY

Founded in 1988, the island, which is surrounded by the fresh waters of Lake Victoria, offers 95 acres of natural forest where the chimpanzees roam and forage daily.

The goals of the sanctuary are to provide a safe home for rescued chimpanzees while also caring for the environment and other wildlife on the island, provide a high- quality educational experience for visitors and benefit local communities. The island is currently home to 52 orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees, rescued from the illegal pet and bush meat traders.

The island is located on Lake Victoria, approximately 23km Southeast of mainland Entebbe; so, the easiest way to get there is by taking boats that mostly park and depart from Waterfront beach, adjacent to the Entebbe zoo. The boats come in different sizes and carrying capacities, depending on one’s budget.

A speed boat can take about 50 minutes while a local motorized canoe can take about 90 minutes. Witnessing the feeding of the chimpanzees is the most exciting part of visiting this sanctuary.

Once the feeding time reaches and they hear the siren from the caregivers, they start screaming as they come running from the thick forest to the feeding area which is enclosed by an electric fence with visitors closely watching them from a raised platform where the caregivers also stand and throw food to the chimps.

Ngamba island is not only promoting itself as a conservation centre for the rescued chimpanzees, but also positioning itself as an alternative tourist product on Lake Victoria that someone can visit while in Entebbe, which is the country’s entry point.

Uganda Tourism Board, now headed by Lily Ajarova who before that was also instrumental in Ngamba’s growth and administration, is looking towards diversifying the island’s tourist products.

NDERE CULTURAL CENTRE

For a glimpse into Uganda’s rich traditional culture and gastronomy, visitors are always taken to Ndere Cultural Centre in Ntinda, just seven kilometres from the Kampala city centre.

This African cultural hub expands over nine acres of well-maintained African flora and fauna and beautifully landscaped grounds. It is characterized with indigenous architecture, given a modern and fresh look.

The center is meticulously designed to provide a sense of daily living in ancient Ugandan culture, featuring traditional huts that showcase the architectural styles of various Ugandan tribes, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of different communities as well as an array of handcrafted treasures, including jewelry, textiles and traditional musical instruments.

The Ndere Troupe, a traditional cultural entertainment group at the centre, entertains visitors with traditional dances and storytelling from Uganda’s various tribes while dressed in beautiful traditional costumes. Visitors also get to enjoy poetry that consists of generally traditional poems and folktales.

The centre also offers tourists unique opportunities to try out the local Ugandan dishes. You can be sure to enjoy delicious foods and drinks that identify with each of the regions and ethnic groups of Uganda. For visitors who want to go an extra mile and learn these traditional dances and how to prepare the local meals, the centre offers dance and culinary lessons.

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