Lira District Woman MP Auma Linda Agnes has been elected chairperson of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), ending months of uncertainty over the leadership and operations of the parliamentary women’s caucus.
Auma was elected on Tuesday alongside a new executive in elections overseen by Adjumani District Woman MP and Parliamentary Commissioner Jesca Ababiku, who was delegated by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth to preside over the process.
Ababiku said the Speaker’s intervention followed three unsuccessful attempts by UWOPA members to organise elections, which left the association operating without a formally elected executive after the expiry of the previous leadership’s term.
The other members of the committee include Tororo District Woman MP Angella Akoth Nzokire who was elected vice chairperson, Mukono District Woman MP Draville Sheilah Amaniyo (treasurer), Moyo District Woman MP Benadette Kodili Chandia (Secretary), Namutumba District Woman MP Betty Nakisita Mpongo (Publicity Secretary).
The new executive will be supported by regional representatives, with Amolatar District Woman MP Auma Janet taking the Northern Uganda position, Ssembabule District Woman MP Florence Nambaziira representing Central Uganda, Bugiri District Woman MP Eunice Namatende representing Eastern Uganda, and Hoima City Woman MP Asinansi Nyakato representing Western Uganda.
Other members of the leadership include Female Workers’ Representative Fiona Nakku, Persons with Disabilities Representative Laura Kanushu and UPDF Representative Col. Sylvia Meeme. The Western Uganda position, however, was not without controversy, with a dispute arising over the nomination and declaration of the winner.
Ababiku said two candidates had initially been nominated and were asked to agree on a single candidate. However, by the time of the declaration, Nyakato was the only candidate present after the other candidate left the venue. A petition was subsequently filed challenging the declaration.
The position of youth representative remains vacant after youth MPs failed to attend the elections. Ababiku said the new executive would engage the youth representatives and facilitate the filling of the position.
UWOPA, established in 1989, brings together women MPs to influence legislation, policy and parliamentary processes from a gender perspective. Male MPs may participate as associate members.
The caucus has historically been involved in advocacy, lobbying, research, capacity building and mentorship of women legislators, as well as efforts to advance legislation addressing issues affecting women and girls.
Parliament credits UWOPA’s previous work with contributing to the enactment of laws including the Domestic Violence Act 2010, the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2009 and the Succession (Amendment) Act 2022.
The election of the new executive follows a period of uncertainty that emerged after the expiry of the previous leadership’s term. The outgoing executive was headed by Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Achieng Opendi, who served as UWOPA chairperson during the 11th Parliament. Parliament records show that Opendi continued to lead UWOPA activities towards the end of the 11th Parliament, including an induction meeting for members of the 12th Parliament held in June 2026.
Ababiku urged the new leadership to treat the election as an opportunity to rebuild UWOPA and restore its institutional stability and effectiveness. She said the first task should be to review UWOPA’s constitution, laws and policies to ensure they provide a clear framework for the association’s operations.
She also called for the strengthening of the UWOPA secretariat, saying a functional secretariat would improve coordination and ensure the effective implementation of the association’s programmes.
Ababiku, who served on the UWOPA executive during the Ninth Parliament, said the association had previously played a significant role in mentoring women at grassroots level and encouraging more women to seek elective positions in Parliament.
She urged the new leadership to reclaim UWOPA’s role in promoting gender equity, protecting the rights of women and girls and fostering unity among women MPs across political parties and socio-economic backgrounds-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
