African Journal of
Political Science and International Relations

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Pol. Sci. Int. Relat.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0832
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJPSIR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 403

Article in Press

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ON ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN IN UGANDAN

Kakuba Juma

  •  Received: 07 July 2015
  •  Accepted: 17 September 2016
This paper explores the contribution of women Members of Parliament (MPs) to decision making in Uganda. It an attempt to see whether women representatives in parliament are actively involved in parliamentary debates on issues of their concern particularly issues affecting children. The existing literature reveals that women are more responsive to issues of children compared to their male counterparts. This study through textual investigation of 2001-2009 Hansards examines Women MP’s contributions to parliamentary debates to enact and amend legislations containing issues affecting children into legislations to improve the status of children in Uganda. The study adopted a qualitative approach using a thematic content analysis. The data obtained uncovered that women MPs contributed immensely to many issues such as defilement, child-labour, corporal punishment, child-trafficking, child education, health and shelter (facilities) during parliamentary debate to enact and amend Bills to protect and promote the status of children in the country. The study concludes that women as mothers and MP are very instrumental in raising and supporting bills leading to legislations, which can positively impact on the status of children. Therefore, there is need to provide women with favourable condition to encourage them to participate in decision making processes. It was observed that their contributions were significant and supported by their male counterparts. Key words: Parliamentary Debates, Children Rights