Tech-based violence: Barrier to women in Uganda’s politics

Uganda is making significant strides in its democratic processes, but the intersection of technology and politics poses both opportunities and challenges, especially for women. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) has emerged as a major barrier for women in politics, where harassment, intimidation, and violence are prevalent. 

As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence under the theme “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” it is crucial to address TFGBV through a multifaceted approach, including communication channels, education, awareness, and strong support systems. TFGBV is a pervasive issue that affects women at all levels of political engagement, from grassroots activism to national leadership. 

The Amplified Abuse report by Pollicy highlights the alarming prevalence of online violence during periods of political activity in Uganda. This violence, particularly directed at women in public life, exemplifies Violence Against Women in Politics (VAW-P). The research, conducted during the January 2021 general elections, examined social media accounts to assess how online harassment affects women’s political engagement. 

The findings reveal a troubling disparity: while both men and women use online tools for political activity, women face significantly higher levels of online violence as their engagement increases. Women and those affiliated with political parties such as FDC, NRM,and NUP are particularly targeted. The report also uncovered patterns of gendered harassment, where perpetrators specifically targeted individual women with violent or negative comments. This underscores the urgent need to address the gendered nature of online violence in politics, as it silences women and undermines their participation in democratic processes. 

To effectively address TFGBV, support systems must be integrated into existing reporting mechanisms, providing clear communication channels for women to report incidents. These systems should extend to community structures, enabling local leaders and women’s organisations to offer support and guidance. Movements uniting women in politics can also serve as platforms for sharing experiences and advocating for safer political environments. Advocacy plays a critical role in reshaping the narrative around TFGBV. 

Public awareness campaigns should emphasise the impact of this violence on women’s political participation. These campaigns must use local languages to reach all women, ensuring the message resonates with women across different regions. This will help women recognise and report violence while also raising awareness among perpetrators about the gravity of their actions. 

It is essential to gather reliable data on the intersectional nature of TFGBV, understanding how factors such as age, ethnicity, and socio-economic status influence women’s experiences. This data will inform targeted interventions and legislative frameworks to protect women’s engagement in digital spaces. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Uganda must continue striving for a more inclusive political landscape. This requires a comprehensive approach to addressing TFGBV, including advocacy, education, legal action, and the establishment of robust support systems.

By investing in mechanisms to monitor remedies for violence against women in elections and politics (OVAWEP), we can ensure that victims receive justice, and perpetrators are held accountable. With sustained efforts, Uganda can foster a political environment where women can participate fully and confidently, free from the threat of violence.

Women faced significantly higher levels of online violence as their engagement increased, with those affiliated with political parties such as FDC, NRM, and NUP being particularly targeted.

Tricia Gloria Nabaye is the Advocacy and Engagement Lead at Pollicy