Influence of Political Finance on Women’s Local Governance Representation in Mbarara District, Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of political finance on women’s local governance representation in Rubaya Sub County, Mbarara District, Uganda. The study's specific objectives were as follows: To find out the sources of political finance that influence women’s governance elections in the sub-county of Rubaya. To establish the models of political financing that support women's policy concerns in Rubaya Sub County. To examine the challenges faced in political financing affecting women’s political representation performance in Rubaya Sub County. Political finance had a significant role in influencing local governance dynamics and representation, particularly in relation to women's participation. Women's political source of funds is key information in describing their determinants of representation. Mixed methods research, which came into being as a result of a merger of qualitative and quantitative approaches, was adopted in an attempt to have an engagement with data from stakeholders like women aspirants, political parties, funders, and members of society. The study explored and looked into political finance sources that have been financing women leadership elections in Rubaya Sub County. The study explored official and unofficial funds sources such as political party funds, private funds, and own funding. With respect to certain models of political finance, the study aimed at taking the influence of the models to the women's policy agenda and mobilization to their rightful position in the municipality. Some of the issues of female candidates in accessing political finance and their effects on political participation that were investigated here include inadequate finances, gender discrimination, unequal opportunity, and cultural limitations. The research findings on inclusive governance and gender equality since it reminded the women of Rubaya Sub County who had joined politics of the opportunities and what boundaries that placed them in. The research findings would be of utmost significance to policy makers, political parties, civil society, and other stakeholders in women's political empowerment and local government. The research will guide planning and policy formulation in women affairs in the political fundraising aspect, equal rights, and women's political participation in the Uganda Mbarara District local government.