Hon. Sarah Opendi (forth from the left) poses with other Executive Members after being elected on 29^th October 2021 at Kabira Country Club, Kampala, Uganda             

The newly elected Chairperson of Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), Sarah Opendi has pledged to advocate for enacting of gender-based laws in parliament.

Hon Sarah Opendi who replaced Pamela Kamugo Nasiyo (Budaka WMP) won the two horse race with 66 votes beating Olive Koyekyenga Katwesigye, (Buhweju Woman MP) who garnered 30 votes in an election held at Kabira Country Club in Kampala. She hailed women for voting her even after receiving calls with directives that she shouldn’t be voted“ Despite directives that some MPs had been barred from voting me, I appreciate, and I will fight for the women’s cause,” she said.

She pledged to advocate for enacting of gender based laws like the Sexual Offences Bill, Market Bill, Succession Bill Amendment Bill, and Marriage Bill. She also pledged to lead women and make them relevant in the 11^th Parliament which is actually dominated by men. “UWOPA needs a stronger woman who can lobby government and strong patterns, for all the support. We also need a team player; therefore, I promise to deliver, all your requests with your support,” Opendi said.

Other members who were elected as UWOPA Executive include;

• Hon Brenda Nabukenya (Luwero WMP) as Vice Chairperson
• Hon Hope Grania Nakazibwe (Mubende WMP) as the Secretary General
• Hon. Linda Agnes Auma (Lira WMP) as Publicity Secretary
• Hon. Brenda Namukuta (Kaliro WMP) as the Treasurer
• Hon Margaret Rwabushaija (Workers) as Workers Representative
• Hon. Laura Kanushu (National rep PWD’s) as the PWD’s Representative
• Hon. Peace Judith Acan (Nyowa WMP) as the Northern Region Representative
• Hon. Evelyn Chemutai (Bwoko WMP) as the Eastern Region Representative
• Hon. Gorreti  Namugga (Mawogola County MP) as the Central region representative
• Hon. Catherine Ndamira (Kabale WMP) as the Western Region Representative