DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has called for greater involvement of women in leadership and decision-making, saying lasting peace in the Great Lakes Region cannot be achieved without their participation.

Oboth made the remarks on Monday as he joined women parliamentarians and delegates from the 12 member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) for the opening of the Women Parliamentary Conference 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

“Lasting peace in our region cannot be built without women at the heart of leadership and decision-making,” Oboth said in a post on his official X account.

The conference, which runs until November 5, is being held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre under the theme, “For a Peaceful and Developed Great Lakes Region.”

Oboth said the theme was timely, noting that conflicts in one member state often have consequences beyond its borders.

“Conflict in one-member state rarely stays within its borders,” he said, calling on countries in the region to work together to advance peace and development.

He also highlighted the shared history of colonialism and imperialism among the 12 member states, saying their longstanding ties should encourage them to pursue peaceful solutions for the benefit of their people.

Peace and development for a young region

The Speaker said the Great Lakes Region has significant economic and demographic potential, with approximately 455 million people and a combined economy of about US$600 billion.

He noted that the region’s economy is growing at between 4.5 and 5 per cent annually, slightly faster than the rest of sub-Saharan Africa.

However, he warned that the average annual income of about US$1,300 per person remains low and that global economic shocks and conflict, particularly the war in Sudan, could undermine the progress made.

“Our young population is our greatest asset, but only if peace allows us to invest in their skills, jobs and future,” he said.

Parliaments working for regional peace

Oboth said parliaments across the region, working through the Forum of Parliaments of the ICGLR, are translating commitments on peacebuilding, gender equity and regional integration into practical action.

He was accompanied by Hon. Ofwono Opondo, Hon. Niringiyimana James Kaberuka, Hon. Amaniyo Draville Sheilah and Hon. Nankwanga Stella.

The Speaker reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to regional cooperation, saying the country’s prosperity is closely linked to that of its neighbours.