Minister urges respect for gender rights, calls for calm during election

16 October 2025, 2:19 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, has urged the public to respect gender participation and maintain peace during the ongoing election season. Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre today, she stressed the importance of protecting women’s rights, particularly in political engagement.

“Do not allow families to break because of politics. That is not why you married. Don’t get emotional if your partner supports another candidate. Everyone has the right to participate, vote, and support freely. Politics is a short season, and those you elect are to serve everyone. I also saw clips on social media of young people provoking the police, which is wrong. I thank the officers who exercised restraint,” she said.

Her remarks come as eight presidential candidates campaign across the country ahead of the 2026 elections, with only one expected to emerge victorious early next year. Reports indicate that women often face challenges in exercising their political rights, particularly in remote rural areas.

Muyanja Julius, Director of Ba Muyanja J Auto Garage in Kampala, echoed the call for public sensitisation:

“During this political season, supporters often try to pressure their partners into voting for certain candidates. It is unfair to coerce anyone into supporting a candidate they do not want. The government and other organisations should intensify efforts to educate the public and prevent gender-based violence,” he said.