As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, calls have been made for continuing analyses of
its impacts on and dynamics among the most vulnerable groups and peoples.
Indigenous women have been recognized as one of the groups at heightened risk for
COVID-19 and its many adverse socio-economic and other impacts.
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Uganda was in March 2020. Since then, the
pandemic has continued to spread, with increased cases reported in the second wave.
Uganda like other Countries in the region responded to COVID-19 with curfews,
closure of schools, lockdowns, mask mandates and strict measures on physical
distancing. Currently, however, state engagement with the pandemic can, at best, be
described as uneven. The virus continues to spread with major socioeconomic
implications for different groups, including Indigenous Women.
Defined as “distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the
lands and natural resources where they live, occupy or from which they have been
displaced,” Indigenous women often depend on access and rights to their traditional
lands and the natural resources that such lands hold. Many of these women live in hard-
to-reach, geographically isolated areas and experience political and social neglect.
Indigenous women include ancient communities of hunters and gatherers, such as
Benet and Batwa. They also include minority groups like the Ik, the Karamojong and the
Basongora. They often live as hunter-gatherers, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists.
Indigenous women rely on their ancestral knowledge and expertise to adapt to, mitigate
or reduce climate, disaster, health and several other risks. Although their livelihoods
diverge, Indigenous women are united by a shared history of vulnerability,
marginalization, land tenure insecurity, poverty and inadequate political representation.
