Monday, January 29, 2001

"Is it Possible to Build a Just Democracy?"

The Honorable Miria Matembe

Minister of Ethics and Integrity for the Government of Uganda

The Honorable Miria Matembe, Minister of Ethics and Integrity for the Government of Uganda, and an author of the 1995 Ugandan constitution, spoke on the government’s efforts to build a just democracy and on the role of women in the reconstruction of Uganda. While Uganda’s affirmative action constitution* is hailed as a model, it is currently under scrutiny as the second “free” elections are set to take place in a few months.

Seven other Ugandan women from various regions, some of whom are in opposition to the current government, were available for further discussion. These additional guests were sponsored by the Women's Intercultural Network (WIN) and the California Women's Agenda (CAWA) of San Francisco.

* The Ugandan constitution prohibits recognition of traditions that undermine the dignity and equal rights of women and it guarantees women’s participation in governmental decision-making by requiring representation by women from all parts of the country, at all levels of government, including one women representative from every district in the legislature and minimum one-third women members in each local government council.

A Guide to Uganda