The Director of Women’s Affairs, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Brig Gen Charity Bainababo has reflected on the global origins of the International Women’s Day, tracing it as far back to the early 20th-Century movements, when women advocated for justice, equality, and fair working conditions.
She said this during an exclusive interview at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds while overseeing intensive band and parade rehearsals in preparation for the International Women’s Day celebrations on Sunday, 8th March, 2026.
As the contemporary norm, the parade will be an all-female showcase, featuring women from UPDF, Uganda Police Force (UPF), Uganda Prisons Service, and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). “We are rehearsing as ladies because this year’s parade is an all ladies parade. I have been watching their rehearsals, overseeing and they are ready. We will give you a marvellous show,” she promised.
This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme: “Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for all Women and Girls in Uganda.”
Brig Gen Bainababo noted that as the armed forces, UPDF’s core mandate remains the protection and security of all Ugandans. “As the armed forces, our role here is to secure all the people of Uganda, including the women, to be able to take part in this acceleration of investment. It is our duty as the armed forces to secure you, all Ugandans, so that you can go about your business without any threat,” she explained.
The Director traced the historical significance of International Women’s Day back to 1905, when women marched demanding better pay and justice in society. She emphasized that current celebrations honour the achievements of women and recognize their ongoing struggle for equality.
Drawing parallels to Uganda’s liberation struggle, Brig Gen Bainababo highlighted the UPDF’s commitment to gender inclusivity, rooted in NRA’s Bush War 10-point program and the vision of leaders who understood that “liberation would not be complete without the emancipation of all groups, especially women.”
She paid tribute to pioneering female officers, including retired Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso among others, who participated in the 1986 bush war that liberated Uganda and paved the way for current generations of women in uniform.
She addressed the strides made in women’s participation within UPDF, acknowledging significant progress, while noting areas for continued growth through quotas at recruitment and committing to embark on, and ensure effective utilization of women in uniform in all units and formations of UPDF.
“We are not yet at the 30 percent, but it’s a work in progress. We have ladies rising to levels of general and senior officers, Colonel, lieutenant Colonel and Major, through the ranks to Private. Training does not discriminate us. We are given quotas and we do all the line courses that allow us to progress in our careers. So, thumbs up to the UPDF fraternity because we have been given a chance to prove our worth,” she appreciated.
She also called on Ugandans to focus on wealth creation following the completion of elections, encouraging young people to embrace technology and position themselves in production lines, while urging others to utilize the Presidential Skilling Centres and to also take advantage of government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
As part of the Women’s Day Celebrations, the Directorate of Women’s Affairs in the UPDF will conduct a medical camp on 5th March, 2026, at Kikete, Kamwokya, Kampala district to demonstrate the force’s commitment to giving back to the community.