The cover page of Alice Alaso’s bookThe former Serere District woman MP Alice Alaso reveals harsh realities and hard-won victories of women in Uganda’s political arena, offering a candid account of the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience behind the fight for equal representation.From navigating male-dominated institutions to confronting personal and professional setbacks, Alaso’s narrative provides an intimate look at the cost of political participation for women, while challenging long-held perceptions about gender and leadership in Uganda. Titled Trials and Triumphs in the Journey of Affirmative Action Politics, the book blends memoir and reflection, tracing her journey through the challenges and victories that have defined her career. It captures not only her personal experiences, but also the broader fight for justice, equality, and representation in a system where women have historically faced structural barriers. “This book chronicles not only the triumphs I have experienced, but also the trials that have tested my resolve, and that of so many who have stood beside me in political action,” Alaso writes. At its core, the book questions the premise of gender based political recognition. Alaso argues that while affirmative action has opened doors for women, it has also reinforced perceptions that women’s leadership must be justified through gender rather than merit. “I truly hope that one day we will not celebrate women becoming MPs, ministers, or presidents, because their gender will not matter,” she notes. “Political competition should be about ideas, policies, and vision not gender.” She also reflects on the critical role of family in sustaining her through the pressures of public life, describing it as a constant source of strength during moments of doubt and adversity. “When the world has tested me out here, I go back to my family, and they provide strong shoulders to lean on,” she says, underscoring the often unseen emotional support systems behind political careers. The book revisits her early struggles, including her time at Makerere University, where she recalls wearing her first pair of shoes, an experience that symbolised both progress and hardship. Despite the discomfort, she wore them throughout her university years, using the experience as a reminder of resilience and determination. Alaso paints a vivid picture of the support systems that sustained her, highlighting the role of friends and mentors such as Christine Odele Asutai, who ensured she had food during her early political campaigns often leaving chapatis in her kitchen before she headed out to the field. These small but significant acts of kindness, she notes, were instrumental in keeping her going during some of her most challenging moments. Her entry into politics, she admits, was marked by naivety and a lack of preparation for the harsh realities she would encounter. What began as a hopeful pursuit quickly exposed her to resistance, entrenched biases, and the complexities of political competition. “It would seem like I dived into the pool from the deep end right from the start. The path of affirmative action is often fraught with resistance, misconceptions, and setbacks,” she writes. Beyond her personal journey, the book lifts the lid on the darker side of political life, particularly within Parliament. Alaso recounts instances of sexual harassment, broken marriages, and reputational damage among legislators, painting a sobering picture of the environment many women must navigate. She recalls how Miria Matembe once threatened to expose a list of leaders accused of sexual misconduct, only to be heckled by those implicated, an incident that, she suggests, reflects the resistance to accountability within political spaces. “There were many survivors, but also many casualties,” Alaso notes, describing how some women’s careers and personal lives were derailed by the pressures and challenges they faced. The book also highlights structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s full participation in politics. Among these are inadequate facilities and institutional shortcomings that disproportionately affect female leaders. At one point, more than 100 female legislators reportedly shared a single toilet, forcing many to miss parliamentary proceedings while waiting in line, an example Alaso uses to illustrate how systemic neglect can undermine women’s effectiveness in leadership roles. Through it all, Alaso credits her journey to the support of countless individuals from family and teachers, to colleagues and community members who contributed in different ways to her growth and success. “I am a product of many helping hands,” she reflects, acknowledging that her achievements are rooted in collective effort rather than individual ambition alone. geofreyserugo1992@gmail.comThe post Alaso’s book lays bare trials and triumphs in fight for women’s political space appeared first on The Observer.