On the 31st October, Oxfam in Uganda joined the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), UN Women and other development partners for the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the landmark resolution in Kampala under the theme “When women lead, peace follows”

United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSC) 1325 (2000) is a landmark framework of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda.

Adopted on October 31st, 2001, the framework seeks to increase the meaningful participation of women in peace and security.

Paulina Chiwangu, the UN country Representative, highlighted the importance of the occasion.

"As we all know, resolution 1325 was adopted 25 years ago and was a historical turning point in global peace and security as it affirmed that women's participation is essential for preventing conflict, promoting peace and rebuilding societies torn by crises, wars and insecurity."

Oxfam in Uganda Country Director Francis Shanty Odokorach urged the government to prioritise breaking these barriers.

"We call upon the government of Uganda, development partners and all peace and security actors to prioritise and address entrenched cultural and religious norms that perpetuate unequal power dynamics and limit women's participation in peace building and other decision-making processes." Odokorach also recognised the disproportionate burden on women in conflicts.

"We have seen historically in Uganda and in other places in Africa and around the world that Women bear disproportionately the brunt of conflicts. We call upon actors, especially the government, to strengthen the prevention and Response to GBV."  

Speaking at a presser, Oxfam Partner UWONET’s Executive Director Rita Aciro-Lakor, who read a list of asks from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), commended the efforts of women in Peacebuilding.

"As Women's Rights organisations, we would like to pay tribute to the tireless efforts and contributions of women and girls across Uganda in Peacebuilding, conflict resolution and Response and the promotion of inclusive governance, often in the face of systematic barriers, at times at personal risk."

CSOs acknowledged the significant strides made by Uganda in protecting women and girls, highlighted by the passing of key laws such as the Domestic Violence Act of 2010 and the Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2010, additionally, recognising the increase in women's representation throughout the country. 

They, however, noted that more needs to be done considering challenges such as the continued under representation of women in peace negotiations and the security sector.

According to Aciro, women currently make up only 18% of officers in the Uganda Police Force, far below the 35% benchmark set under affirmative action, with representation in the army even lower, as few women are in decision-making roles.

Aciro noted that these low numbers have far-reaching implications for justice delivery, protection, and community trust in law enforcement, especially for survivors of gender-based violence.

Among the key asks from WROs, also the need for the government to:

  • Increase the investment needed to operationalise and expand the 23 GBV shelters across the country to enable survivors access to comprehensive survivor-centred services, especially during emergencies and conflict.
  • WROS calls upon all stakeholders to reinforce women's participation in the Peace and security agenda.
  • Adopt deliberate strategies to recruit, retain, and promote women across all ranks and create a national action plan specifically targeting women’s participation in the security sector.
  • Push for accountability on existing gender equity laws and prioritise resources for recruitment and mentorship programs that prepare women for leadership roles in security institutions.