KAMPALA, Uganda — A coalition of prominent Kenyan and African women leaders has condemned the reported victimisation of women in Uganda following the January 2026 elections, calling on authorities to act swiftly and ensure accountability.
The group, which includes Kenyan legislator Martha Karua, Prof. Julia Ojiambo, Beatrice Kamau, and Sophie Dola, released an open letter expressing concern over what they described as intimidation, humiliation, and targeted violence against women.
“We have watched in dismay as security forces, under the command of the state, have weaponised violence, humiliation, and terror, particularly against the women of Uganda, to settle political scores,” the letter states.
The letter cites specific incidents, including the alleged assault on National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi’s wife, Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi, on January 22, 2026. Security forces reportedly breached her home, subjected her to violence, and left her hospitalised at Nsambya Hospital. She had previously been under house arrest, denied access to family, media, and medical care.
Other cases highlighted include the alleged abduction and mistreatment of NUP leaders Dr Zahara Nampewo and Doreen Kaija, as well as the detention of women such as Sauda Madada and Olivia Lutaaya, who were reportedly targeted during arrest and while in custody.
The letter also notes the enforced disappearances of Dr Lina Zedriga and Jolly Jackline Tukamushaba, whose whereabouts were initially denied by security agencies.
The coalition criticised public conduct by military leadership, noting that remarks made online by top officials demean women.
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“When the Commander of the Defence Forces publicly disgraces women, it provides a ‘greenlight’ for forces under his command to treat women with similar contempt, brutality, and violence,” the letter reads.
The women leaders urged Ugandan authorities to take immediate steps to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable. They also called on regional and international bodies, including the African Union, East African Community, United Nations, African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Commonwealth, SADC, and ECOWAS, to support justice for victims.
“To our sisters in Uganda: you do not walk alone. Your pain is felt in the streets of Nairobi, the halls of Addis Ababa, and the hearts of women worldwide,” the letter concluded.
The Pan-African network pledged to continue monitoring the situation and advocate for justice, ensuring that women’s rights remain a priority in post-election accountability efforts.
