The role of internal leadership in enhancing women’s empowerment in Tororo District

This study examined how internal leadership practices within Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) enhance women’s empowerment in Tororo District, Eastern Uganda, focusing on inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, mentorship, and capacity-building. Using a descriptive correlational survey design and mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires administered to women beneficiaries/community members (randomly selected) and interviews with purposively selected NGO staff and district/community stakeholders involved in women’s programs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, while qualitative interview data were analyzed thematically to explain how leadership processes shape empowerment experiences. Findings indicated that women generally perceived NGO leadership as supportive, particularly through involving women in decision-making, encouraging participation, providing leadership training, and strengthening transparency and accountability that build confidence and engagement. The relationship between internal leadership and women’s empowerment was statistically significant and moderately positive (r = 0.512, p < 0.01), implying that stronger internal leadership practices are associated with improved empowerment outcomes. Qualitative evidence further emphasized practical mechanisms such as female representation in committees, participatory planning forums, mentorship, and women-led monitoring structures that increase women’s voice, agency, and access to livelihood opportunities. The study concludes that strengthening internal leadership systems in NGOs is critical for advancing women’s empowerment in Tororo District and recommends institutionalizing gender-responsive leadership standards alongside sustained accountability and leadership development pathways for women.