Verdict from the Women’s Situation Room

Following elections closely in the Situation Room. Photos by Rachel Ajwang. 

When was the Women Situation Room started?
It was formed by Angi Brooks international centre in 2011 in Liberia because at that time they were experiencing election violence. The women decided that they did not want war because during wars, children and women are the most affected.

Women engaged youths who are actively involved in violence, and persuaded them to engage in ensuring a peaceful process.

It has observed elections in Senegal in 2012, Sierra Leon 2012, Kenya 2013, Nigeria 2015, and now Uganda 2016. Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the champion of the Room and it is funded by UN women.

How are these eminent members selected?
One of the key selection criteria of this eminent people and group of wise is by ensuring that they are neutral so that they approach issues in an impartial way.

This does not mean that they cannot exercise their right to vote or have political views but they cannot stand for political office.

Why is it important for women to be involved in this process?
Because women are always concerned about such situations as elections since they are the heart of society and they are the ones who, together with children, suffer most although they may not be directly involved.

What difference has women participation made?
The fact that they are able to respond to the incidences that occur before, during and after election day.

We also managed to get police and UPDF to come to our call centre so that any arising issues were immediately addressed by the relevant people.

Sometimes, we called Electoral Commission directly to resolve issues such as when the election material was late to the polling stations, people failing to find their names on the voters register and violence among different opposing political supporters.

Such cases could have agitated people and resulted into violence but they did not. All together, we received over 1,400 calls from people and we were able to address most of the complaints.

Did you avert any major crisis?
For example, if there was a fight, our election observers persuade the people to resolve the issue amicably this has been a success. Another thing is spreading the message of peace.

We have received many visitors, including police, the military, the Prime Minister, and officials from different political parties. These are people who can either avert or cause violence. So, the point is to think of Uganda and put it at the centre of everything else.

Are you satisfied with your role as women in this election?
Yes we are. We are also happy that the organisation is here in Uganda and here to stay since we have now established a secretariat. We are happy that we were called to make a difference in the democratisation process of our country.

What more can you do for Uganda?
At the moment, we are continuing with this initiative since there are upcoming elections for local government.

We plan to have a discussion on how best to promote peace in a political arena, especially in partnership with other parties who are interested in peace-building.

Are you satisfied with this election results?
As Women Situation Room, we found our way into heart of society but as I had said it is not our duty to pronounce elections whether free and fair, ours is to make sure that all stake holders put Uganda at heart and resolve issues legally.
What issues were you dissatisfied with?
Of Couse, as Ugandans we want things to be properly handled. There were shortcomings such as names missing on the voters register, people waiting for long hours to vote, among others.