12th August 2026
Wakiso Woman MP Betty Ethel Naluyima has secured a key leadership position in the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), emerging unopposed as the association’s Publicity Secretary.
Naluyima’s election is part of a strong showing by opposition legislators in the newly elected UWOPA Executive Committee, where opposition MPs scooped three of the 14 positions, including two of the association’s five top leadership positions.
The elections were held at Parliament and observed by Parliamentary Backbenchers Commissioners.
Naluyima, who is also the Shadow Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, is expected to use the position to strengthen UWOPA’s public voice and advocacy for women across political party lines.
Her election gives the association a vocal parliamentarian with a strong background in grassroots leadership and women’s affairs.
Naluyima’s leadership journey stretches from grassroots politics at LC1 level to sub-county councillor, Speaker of Kira Division, district councillor and Vice Chairperson of Wakiso District Local Government, before becoming Wakiso District Woman MP.
Her extensive grassroots experience is expected to be particularly valuable in UWOPA’s programmes aimed at mentoring and empowering women leaders at local government level.
Observers say her dual role as Shadow Minister for Gender and UWOPA Publicity Secretary could give her additional platforms to advance issues affecting women.
“Naluyima is a Shadow Minister for Gender, so whatever she can’t push through Parliament, she can push through UWOPA and vice versa,” an observer said.
As Publicity Secretary, Naluyima is expected to play a central role in communicating UWOPA’s programmes, increasing the visibility of women’s issues and ensuring that the association’s advocacy reaches beyond Parliament.
Her election also reinforces the opposition’s growing participation in UWOPA leadership, with the new Executive bringing together legislators from different political backgrounds.
The other opposition legislators elected to the Executive are Nyakato Asinansi, who will represent the Western Region, and Sheila Amanyio Draville, who takes the position of Treasurer.
The new 14-member Executive is headed by Hon. Linda Ouma, Woman MP for Lira District, who takes over from former Woman MP Sarah Opendi.
UWOPA brings together women Members of Parliament and has historically played a major role in promoting women’s participation in leadership through advocacy, mentorship and capacity-building programmes.
With Naluyima now serving as the association’s publicity voice, expectations are high that she will use her experience, parliamentary visibility and grassroots networks to make UWOPA more vibrant, visible and responsive to the concerns of women.