Women in politics cry out over online violence ahead of 2026 elections
Stakeholders and women in politics during an engagement meeting on online violence against women, held in Kampala on June 12, 2025. PHOTO/SHABIBAH NAKIRIGYA
What you need to know:
- Aritua called for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging the Uganda Communications Commission and other regulatory bodies to crack down on digital abusers.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, women in politics are raising concerns over persistent online violence, which they say is silencing them and deterring participation in public life.
Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting organized by the Women’s Democracy Network Uganda Chapter in Kampala, former Leader of the Opposition Ms Winnie Kiiza noted that many women continue to lag behind in digital adaptation, leaving them vulnerable.
“Most women in leadership lack adequate knowledge and tools to use technology effectively, yet it's the way to go. This gap is affecting our participation in decision-making,” Ms Kiiza said.
She emphasized the urgent need to sensitize women, especially those in positions of influence, on how to transition from analogue to digital platforms.
“Many women are resigning from active politics because of the online harassment and abuse they face. It’s harmful and is reversing the gains we have made in women’s participation in democracy,” she added.
Ms Kiiza urged civil society organisations involved in democracy-building to equip women with the strategies needed to handle digital harassment, especially during campaigns.
“Some women break down emotionally simply because they are not mentally or psychologically prepared for the intensity of online attacks,” she said.
Growing threat
Ms Brenda Namata, Programs Coordinator Strategic Gender Initiatives and Advocacy with Pollicy, shared findings from a study conducted around the 2021 elections, revealing an alarming surge in digital abuse targeting women politicians.
“Our research shows that women in politics faced amplified harassment in 2021, from hate speech, trolling, stalking to sexual harassment,” she said.
She noted that online abuse leads to censorship, marginalisation, and the eventual exclusion of women from digital political spaces.
“Many women are pushed out of online platforms and political participation due to this abuse. It's a new form of silencing,” Namata added.
She said the most common forms of online violence include cyberbullying, doxing, and character assassination, all intended to intimidate and shut down women’s voices.
Call for action
Ms Perry Aritua, Executive Director of the Women’s Democracy Network Uganda Chapter, said online violence has created a chilling effect on women’s participation in decision-making.
“Many women are staying offline even though visibility in politics is crucial. They fear cyberbullying and harassment,” she said.
Aritua called for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging the Uganda Communications Commission and other regulatory bodies to crack down on digital abusers.
“At the end of the day, politics needs both men and women contributing to decisions that affect the country,” she said.
A personal account
Fort Portal Woman MP Sylvia Rwabwogo, who has herself been a victim of online abuse, said the issue is becoming normalized.
“Online bullying has become the new normal. We must develop strategic responses to it, including improving women’s digital literacy and understanding of cyber laws,” she said.
Rwabwogo described her experience as “painful and traumatic,” explaining how she was overwhelmed by a flood of negative emotions, some people offering support, while others fueled the abuse.
Women in Leadership by the numbers
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, Uganda ranks 109th out of 156 countries in terms of gender parity in top leadership. While women’s representation in Parliament is above the global average, they hold only 37% of senior roles in the private sector and 36.2% in public sector leadership.
