FOWODE Launches LeadHERship digital hub to boost women’s political participation in Uganda
As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) has unveiled the LeadHERship Digital Resource Hub, a virtual platform aimed at empowering women with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship needed to compete effectively in Uganda’s male-dominated political arena.
Speaking during the launch in Kampala, FOWODE’s Executive Director described the initiative as “a one-stop centre where women candidates can access consolidated resources to support their campaigns and leadership journeys.”
“This hub builds on years of work in training and preparing women for leadership,” she said. “Now, anyone interested in running for elections has a central space to access credible information and guidance.”
A legacy of women’s empowerment
Founded in 1995, FOWODE has spent the last 30 years advocating for a just and fair society where women and men equally influence decision-making. The organization has trained over 30,000 women leaders across Uganda, equipping them with the confidence and skills to prioritize women’s needs in governance, budgeting, and legislation.
Despite these efforts, women’s political representation remains low. In the current 11th Parliament, only 33.8% of MPs are women and just 7.4% hold direct seats. Local government is even more male-dominated, with only 6 out of 146 LCV chairpersons being women.
These gaps are often worsened by limited access to information, digital exclusion, and electoral violence. The recently concluded party primaries highlighted the scale of these challenges, with several women facing intimidation, including threats of gun violence and destruction of property.
A timely and transformative platform
The LeadHERship Hub addresses these barriers by offering a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for aspiring women leaders. It features up-to-date campaign resources, policy materials, mentorship content, and leadership tools all tailored for use before, during, and after elections.
Importantly, FOWODE has prioritized digital inclusion in the hub’s design. The platform includes downloadable content to help women with limited internet access, especially in rural areas. The organization is also exploring offline delivery methods to extend reach further.
“This isn’t just about the 2026 elections, it’s a long-term investment in transforming Uganda’s political culture,” the ED noted. “We’re creating a pipeline of capable, informed, and digitally empowered women leaders.”
A call for collective action
FOWODE urged civil society, media, government, and citizens to actively support the LeadHERship Hub. The organization called for increased efforts to bridge the digital divide, reject violence and discrimination in the political process, and stand in solidarity with women leaders and voters.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 polls, the LeadHERship Hub serves as both a practical tool and a powerful symbol of what inclusive democracy can look like.
Explore the LeadHERship Hub at:
https://fowode.org/leaderhership-hub/
