KAMPALA, UGANDA — Women from Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) have come forward with allegations of repeated sexual abuse during violent arrests, revelations made during a belated International Women’s Day celebration at the party’s headquarters in Makerere Kavule.
Hundreds of women gathered under the theme “Women United for Action in Quest for Democratic Progress,” where Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze delivered a powerful address highlighting the disproportionate suffering of women in the opposition.
Nambooze argued that women have endured a heavier burden than their male counterparts in the struggle against the current regime, citing numerous instances of detention and alleged sexual abuse by security forces.
“As women, we face a double injustice. When we’re beaten or abused, societal expectations silence us. Many of us have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of security operatives, but speaking out is daunting. Instead of finding support, we’re often judged and shamed,” Nambooze stated.
She asserted that women have been targeted with relentless political persecution aimed at intimidation, recognizing their activism’s potential to garner international attention.
Kampala Capital City Speaker Zaharah Luyirika, alongside other women including Ingrid Turinawe (Katonga FDC faction mobilizer) and Doreen Nyanjura (Deputy Lord Mayor for Kampala), called for women to rise against injustice.
“When we talk about the empowerment of women, I’m the Speaker of Kampala not because I was the best among all, but because I’m a woman who stood by my words, and who knows what to do, when to do it, and how to do that job. It is a long journey we have to walk, which calls for much strength in us. But as women, we vow to stand still until this country has been liberated from this regime,” Luyirika declared.
Guest of honor Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi further detailed the disturbing cases of sexual violence against women in the opposition, citing the alleged rape of NUP supporter Olivia Katende by security operatives in a “drone.”
Despite these challenges, Itungo urged women to remain resilient in their fight for freedom and the well-being of their families.
“We have women who’ve lost children, husbands in this struggle. We can’t let their sacrifices be in vain. Let’s unite, fueled by hope, and work towards a new Uganda built on justice and equity,” Itungo implored.
