This paper revisits the theoretical literature on the policy process and examines how it has informed recent trade policy development in Uganda. Drawing from in-depth interviews with 120 actors from government and non-government agencies and institutions working on trade-related issues, the paper maps out the entry points for different institutions, including women-owned organisations, in the policy processes, and examines whether institutions outside government matter for trade policy in Uganda.

Findings on stakeholder participation:

The findings underscore significant attempts to involve several stakeholders in the policy processes, but find that their chance to influence policies is limited. Political interests and the country’s commitments to international agreements determine trade policy decisions.

Gender dimensions:

It further shows that, although the national machinery for trade policy consultation and formulation has made some inroads in ensuring the participation of women, in practice the point of entry for women’s organisations falls outside key points of influence in the policy process. The gender balance of the institutions at the centre and those on the periphery of the policy process largely favours men.

Institutional and analytical gaps:

The findings also point out the institutional and analytical gaps which need to be bridged if gender issues are to be mainstreamed in trade policy making.