Women from the Ankole sub-region have voiced sharp criticism of the current NRM Women League leadership, accusing Chairperson Lydia Wanyoto of neglecting their concerns and failing to represent their challenges before the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC), chaired by President Museveni.
Several women leaders claim that since electing Wanyoto in 2020, she has been largely absent, only recently resurfacing to campaign for re-election.
"I want to be honest with you--I last saw Lydia Wanyoto in 2020 during her election, but only now have I seen campaign posters announcing she's seeking re-election," said Rosebery Twikirize, chairperson for the Women League in Kyamuhunga Sub-County, Bushenyi district.
The dissatisfaction comes amid rising interest from several women, including the incumbent Lydia Wanyoto, National Chairperson of the Women Council Faridah Koboowa, and renowned city businesswoman Adrine Kobusigye, who is contesting to become the next national chairperson of the Women League.
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"Don't tell me about Lydia Wanyoto--I repeat, don't tell me about her," said Hope Amatsiko, Chairperson of the Women League in Mitooma district.
"A leader is someone who returns to listen to the issues affecting her voters. Has Wanyoto ever done that?" she asked rhetorically.
The women complain that after their election, the leadership relocated to Kampala and has since ignored grassroots structures and voices.
They highlight issues such as the absence of district offices, lack of inclusion in national party functions, and poor organization of women's groups at the grassroots level.
"There is so much disorganization in the women's structures. When we elected them, they simply went to Kampala and forgot about us," said Kagaba Sarah, chairperson of the Women League in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality.
"As women from Ankole, we want leaders who return to the grassroots, listen, and take our concerns directly to the President."
In response to what they describe as a one-sided leadership, Ankole women have unanimously endorsed Adrine Kobusigye as their sole candidate for the National Chairperson of the Women League. They hope her leadership will better reflect their needs and priorities before the CEC.
Addressing supporters, Kobusigye said, "I come here before you asking for your support to turn things around. I have interacted with women and discovered that the challenges I face are the same challenges many women face across the country. I am here to be their voice."
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A successful businesswoman, Kobusigye highlighted the widespread lack of financial independence among Ugandan women.
She pledged that under her leadership, every region would establish a Sacco (Savings and Credit Cooperative) to enable women to access affordable credit and start mentorship programs to connect successful women with those still struggling.
"My key agenda is to establish a Sacco in every region and build towards a national Sacco. I want women to access cheap credit without running around endlessly," Kobusigye said.
"I also want to create platforms where successful women can mentor and exchange development ideas with those still struggling."
As the Women League elections approach, Ankole women's growing support for Kobusigye signals a desire for inclusive leadership that bridges the gap between Kampala and grassroots women across Uganda.
