Women, make your voice count: The importance of registering and voting

Women of Uganda, I cannot overstate how important it is for us to participate in the upcoming elections. Right now, there is an ongoing exercise to update the voter’s register, which is the moment for every woman to ensure her name is on it. This isn’t just about following a procedure, it is about taking that vital first step to shape the future of our country.

Let’s be honest; women have often been left out of decision-making spaces, yet we make up a significant portion of the population. Our experiences, needs, and perspectives matter, and the best way to ensure they are considered is by actively participating in the democratic process. Registering to vote is the beginning of this journey.

If your name isn’t on the voter’s register, you lose your chance to exercise one of the most powerful rights you have as a citizen. Decisions about healthcare, education, women’s rights, and even basic infrastructure affect us all, and often, they affect women the most. We need leaders who understand these issues and are willing to champion them, and we can only choose those leaders if we’re part of the process.

It’s also important to think about the bigger picture. When women turn up in large numbers to register and later to vote, we send a strong message; our voices matter. We show that we are not just passive observers in Uganda’s development but active participants in shaping its future.

Now, voting isn’t just about showing up on Election Day and marking a ballot. It’s about making an informed decision. Between now and next year, take time to learn about the candidates, what they stand for, what they’ve done, and whether they truly understand the needs of women. Encourage your friends, family, and neighbours to do the same. Talk about it with the women around you; help each other see why this matters.

Some women might feel that one vote doesn’t make a difference. But imagine if all of us thought that way. Now think about what happens when millions of us stand together. That’s real power. That’s how we make change happen.

When you ensure your name is on the voter’s register and make plans to vote, you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re doing it for the future of your children, for the women who came before us and fought for these rights, and for the young girls watching us now. You’re showing them that women’s voices belong in every room where decisions are made.

So, sisters, let’s rise to this occasion. Let’s check the voter’s register, prepare to vote, and encourage every woman around us to do the same. Together, we can shape a Uganda that truly reflects all of us.

Jane Mukasa, an ardent voter

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