UPDF Shares Blueprint for Gender Inclusion with Regional Counterparts

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has shared its gender inclusion reforms with regional counterparts during a high-level benchmarking exercise on gender parity and inclusivity in security institutions at the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe.

The exercise brought together delegations from Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya and Rwanda to exchange experiences and best practices on gender-responsive security sector reforms.

Opening the UPDF’s presentation, Brig Gen Charity Bainababo, Director of Women Affairs in the UPDF, said gender equality is essential for sustainable development and good governance.

Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, she said: “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenges of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance.”

She also cited President Yoweri Museveni’s position on gender inclusivity, saying meaningful participation is not only about numbers but also about enabling people to contribute to national development.

Brig Gen Bainababo highlighted the role women played in Uganda’s liberation struggle as combatants, intelligence operatives and mobilisers. She cited senior female officers, including Lt Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso and Maj Gertrude Njuba, whose contributions helped shape the country’s history.

Speaking at the opening of the exercise, Permanent Secretary Dorothy Nsereko welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Government of Uganda and described the engagement as an important step in regional cooperation.

“This week marks an important milestone in regional cooperation, and we are privileged to support South Sudan’s journey towards developing a gender mainstreaming and inclusivity policy for its National Police and Prisons Services,” she said.

Nsereko said modern security institutions must go beyond maintaining law and order. She said they must also protect rights, promote dignity, prevent gender-based violence and ensure equal participation of men and women.

Drawing from Uganda’s experience, she highlighted three key lessons. She said recruiting women must be accompanied by supportive measures such as childcare facilities and zero tolerance for harassment. Promotions should be transparent and merit-based, while gender mainstreaming initiatives should receive adequate funding.

“Security is not only about guns but also about trust, and trust is impossible when half the population does not see itself represented in uniform,” she said.

Representing South Sudan’s Minister of Interior, Deputy Minister of Interior Lt Gen Mangar Buong Aluenge thanked Uganda for hosting the delegation and reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to advancing gender equality in its security institutions.

He said years of conflict and limited access to education had affected women’s participation in leadership and security institutions.

He said the benchmarking exercise would help South Sudan strengthen evidence-based planning, accountability and institutional reforms aimed at promoting gender equality.

“We believe that effective reform must be based on accurate information and data. Good data improves planning, accountability, and helps us measure progress in promoting gender equality,” he said.

Lt Gen Mangar acknowledged the progress made by Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya in advancing gender inclusion. He said South Sudan would adapt lessons learned to its own circumstances.

He encouraged women leaders to mentor young girls and promote greater female participation in public service and security institutions.

“Our goal is to build security institutions that are professional, effective, and trusted by the public. We must continue building the capacity of our sisters because we believe they have a critical role to play in the future of South Sudan,” he added.

Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons Milton Tiyo, speaking on behalf of Commissioner General Johnson Byabashaija, outlined Uganda Prisons Service's progress in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

He said women head seven of the service’s 35 departments, including ICT, Health Services, Prison Industries, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Social Rehabilitation, and the Prison Academy and Training School.

Tiyo said several prison stations, including some male-only facilities, are commanded by female officers. Women also lead three of the service’s 19 regional commands.

He said the Uganda Prisons Service provides specialised support to female inmates through sanitary materials and daycare centres for children living with incarcerated mothers.

He urged institutions to establish clear gender policies, enforce zero tolerance for sexual harassment and discrimination, and invest in leadership opportunities for women.


Closing the session, Lt Col Harriet Fouzia Ginaba of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces thanked Uganda and regional partners for supporting the learning exchange.

She acknowledged the contributions of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, as well as development partners including the United Nations Development Programme, UN Women, UNESCO and the Peacebuilding Fund.

Lt Col Ginaba also commended the leadership of South Sudan’s ministries responsible for interior, defence and gender affairs for promoting women’s participation in security institutions.

She said progress had been made in strengthening women’s leadership, mentorship programmes and professional networks within South Sudan’s organised forces.

“The establishment of the National Women in Security Sector Network marks an important milestone in advancing women’s leadership, institutional reform, peacebuilding, and community service in South Sudan,” she said.

The benchmarking exercise is expected to provide South Sudan’s security institutions with practical lessons on strengthening gender equality, inclusivity and professional standards while deepening cooperation among East African security agencies.