Female soldiers in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have been urged to focus on military training and career development before starting families, as the army seeks to strengthen professionalism among women serving in the Military Police.
The call was made by the Commandant of the Military Police Brigade, Maj Gen William Bainomugisha, during a two-day seminar for female combatants held at the 10 Military Police Brigade Headquarters in Makindye on September 10, 2026.
Bainomugisha encouraged female personnel to take advantage of military courses and other opportunities that can help them advance through the ranks.
He warned that officers who avoid required courses could find it difficult to remain in the Military Police, where personnel are expected to have the skills and qualifications needed for specialised assignments.
The Major General pointed to female UPDF generals as examples of how discipline, hard work and continued training can contribute to career advancement.
He also linked professional training to duties such as VIP protection and prison handling, saying such assignments require properly trained and qualified personnel. He advised female soldiers to consider completing their first four years of service before having children so that they can take advantage of available training opportunities.
The seminar brought together 336 female participants, including officers and other personnel drawn from different Military Police battalions and the brigade headquarters. The meeting is intended to assess the performance of female soldiers and review the key duties they undertake.
The discussion was also supported by Capt Winfred Sande, who shared her own experience of delaying pregnancy during her first four years in service.
Sande said the decision gave her time to attend a Political Commissariat course during her first year, later proceed for fully sponsored study leave and eventually become an officer, which she attributed in part to her discipline and commitment to her career.
The seminar comes at a time when some female Military Police personnel are unable to participate because they are deployed on various operations within the Kampala Metropolitan Area or attending other milita
