Uganda takes presidency of UN Women Executive Board

The handover marks a significant moment within the UN system, placing Uganda at the helm of one of the organisation’s key bodies dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The appointment has been framed by Ugandan officials and supporters as recognition of the country’s engagement with international gender equality frameworks. Uganda succeeds Sweden, whose presidency was led by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Nicola Clase, and will now oversee the Executive Board’s work guiding UN Women’s policies, programmes and budget during the coming year.

However, Uganda’s new role has also prompted scrutiny from critics and civil society voices, who point to persistent challenges facing women within the country. These include concerns raised by human rights advocates about limited legal protections in cases of marital rape, widespread sexual harassment, and high levels of gender-based violence, issues that continue to shape public debate around women’s rights in Uganda.

The contrast between Uganda’s domestic challenges and its leadership position within UN Women highlights broader tensions within global governance, where representation and responsibility often coexist with unresolved national issues. As president of the Executive Board, Uganda is expected to play a central role in steering discussions on gender equality worldwide, placing its policies and commitments under renewed international attention.