KAMPALA — National Women Council chairperson aspirant Irene Adokorach has appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to ensure a level playing field for all candidates in the forthcoming elections, saying every contestant should have equal access to delegates to present their manifestos.
Mrs Adokorach said the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat and the Electoral Commission should ensure that women delegates are accessible to all aspirants so that voters can interact with candidates, scrutinise their programmes and make informed decisions.
“Look at the women, look at us. We are crying before you that the ground should be levelled to each and every woman,” she said.
Her appeal comes amid concerns she raised over what she described as restrictions preventing some candidates from accessing delegates during the ongoing electoral process.
According to Mrs Adokorach, some delegates are allegedly being kept away from candidates, with some phones reportedly switched off, making it difficult for aspirants to communicate with voters and explain their programmes.
She questioned how candidates could effectively campaign if they are unable to meet the delegates who will determine the outcome of the contest.
“How are you going to put a manifesto where all the delegates are kept?” she asked, arguing that every candidate should be given an opportunity to present their ideas directly to women voters.
Mrs Adokorach called on the NRM Secretariat to ensure that delegates are accessible to all candidates if the party is organising the primary elections.
She also urged the Electoral Commission to clarify and enforce the rules governing candidates’ access to delegates, noting that the commission had previously indicated that no contestant should be allowed to keep delegates.
“The Electoral Commission made a statement that there is no contestant who is allowed to keep the delegates. We call upon the Electoral Commission to give a statement. Women should be released so that we are given an opportunity to present our manifestos before the women,” she said.
Focus on grassroots women
Mrs Adokorach said the Women Council should remain an open platform where women from different parts of Uganda can interact, share ideas and determine the leadership they want.
She said her decision to contest for the national chairperson position was motivated by her belief that the council can do more to address the challenges facing ordinary women, particularly those in rural communities.
“National Women Council is a platform for every woman. This is the platform where we come out and we speak to ourselves,” she said.
Mrs Adokorach, who comes from northern Uganda, said women’s empowerment programmes should not be concentrated in urban areas but should deliberately target women in rural communities.
She cited women in districts such as Kiryandongo, Gulu and Mbarara as examples of communities that should be included in national conversations on women’s empowerment.
“Uganda as a country has been talking about empowering the women. But which type of a woman are we going to empower?” she asked.
She said her campaign would therefore place emphasis on grassroots participation and local content, arguing that women living in villages should have a voice in determining the direction of the Women Council.
Competence over money
Mrs Adokorach also criticised what she described as the increasing influence of money and political sponsorship in leadership contests.
She argued that women should be assessed on their competence, ideas, leadership record and ability to address the concerns of fellow women rather than their financial resources or political connections.
“Politics has come to a level that if you don’t have the money, you don’t go through. But why should we put money ahead of everything we are doing?” she asked.
She said women without wealthy political backers should equally be given an opportunity to contest and present their ideas to voters.
“Some of us do not have what we call godfathers. But then, if I don’t have a godfather, should I not show my interest? Should I not really be given a platform to talk to the women? We are saying no,” she said.
Mrs Adokorach urged women delegates to prioritise leadership ability and programmes when choosing their next national chairperson.
Commends outgoing leadership
The aspirant congratulated women who won their respective district-level elections and encouraged those who lost not to abandon their political ambitions.
She also commended the outgoing Women Council leadership for raising the profile of the institution and making it a recognised platform for women across Uganda.
Mrs Adokorach said the experience of the recent elections demonstrated the growing importance of the Women Council in women’s political participation.
“I know it has not been something simple. The way we’ve always been taking politics, the narrative has changed. Women Council used to be something very simple, but from the experience that we’ve gone through, it has not been easy,” she said.
Appreciates Namyalo
Mrs Adokorach also expressed appreciation to Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, whom she described as her boss, for giving her opportunities to participate in NRM mobilisation activities across the country.
“I want to thank you, my boss. You’ve given me a platform always. I have mobilised the country to support NRM party. You’ve given us the skills and we’ll always appreciate you,” she said.
She maintained that her manifesto is focused on strengthening the Women Council as a platform for grassroots women and ensuring that women have a greater voice in matters affecting their lives.
Mrs Adokorach concluded by asking delegates to consider her candidature, describing herself as a candidate with ideas and programmes to offer the Women Council.
“Irene is the best candidate. Irene is this woman who has something on table to share with you,” she said.
Her candidature comes as competition for the National Women Council chairperson position intensifies, with several aspirants seeking the opportunity to lead the national women’s structure.