The Representation of the Disadvantaged: Women, Youth and Ethnic Minorities

Abstract

There are certain social groups which are more disadvantaged and vulnerable than others. In this chapter, the examples of women, the youth, and ethnic minorities in Uganda are discussed. The first section reviews gender disparities and how women relate to the LC system. The second part analyzes the relationship between youth and the NRM. In the third section, the issue of ethnic diversity and its implications for the LC system are examined. More emphasis is placed on gender than on age and ethnicity issues, partly because the NRM places significant emphasis on the role of women, which is clearly stated in the constitution as well.¹ This research suggests that the decentralized state has a mixed impact on the formation of partnerships for respective disadvantaged groups.

Generally, men do not understand women’s issues. For instance, some men refuse to let their wives attend project meetings. But the understandings by men seem to have improved over the years. It is slightly better now than before. In the past, men suppressed women a lot. It is still happening, but it is less now.

A woman made a statement during the focus group discussion Lunbugu, Rakai, 25 August 1999

This unequal treatment also reflects the current priorities within the academic community as well. Unfortunately, there has been little previous research on the subject of the youth in development (Uphoff et al., 1998, p. 82).