The Director Women Affairs in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Charity Bainababo, has emphasized the importance of gender inclusivity in strengthening modern security forces.
Brig Gen Bainababo made the remarks during a lecture on “Gender Inclusivity in Security Forces” delivered to officers undertaking the Joint Basic Cadre Development Course and Advanced Psychosocial Course at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership and Pan African Centre of Excellence (ORTSL-PACEX) in Kaweweta.
She highlighted the historical exclusion of women from combat and leadership roles, noting that societal perceptions once limited their participation in military service.
However, she pointed out that women played a significant role during the 1981–1986 National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war, serving as combatants, medics, mobilisers, and intelligence operatives.
Following the transition of the NRA into the UPDF, their roles were formalised, and over the years, women have expanded into various fields including artillery, armoured warfare, aviation, engineering, special forces, and command positions.
Brig Gen Bainababo noted that female personnel have also participated in regional and international missions, including operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan.
She said the UPDF has made deliberate efforts to address gender inequalities through policies such as the Gender and Equity Policy, which includes a 30 per cent affirmative action for women in recruitment and deployment at both tactical and strategic levels.
Despite this progress, she acknowledged persistent challenges such as cultural stereotypes, sexism, and sexual harassment within the forces.
The Director emphasized that the inclusion of women has enhanced the UPDF’s operational effectiveness, particularly in complex environments like peacekeeping, while also promoting representation and role modelling.
She concluded by urging officers to uphold discipline, integrity, self-awareness, and good health in their service.
The training brought together participants from various security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, as well as cadres from intelligence services.
