Kampala, Uganda: Brig Gen Charity Bainababo has officially assumed office as the new Director of Women Affairs in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), taking over from Col Christine Nekesa in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters.
While presiding over the handover, the Joint Staff Human Resource Management, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, stressed that transfers and appointments in the army are essential for institutional growth, professional development, and innovation. “Human resource, like any other resource, must be discovered and tested in order to reveal its full potential,” he said.
In her maiden remarks, Brig Gen Bainababo dedicated the appointment to the women who paved the way in the UPDF. “This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to the many courageous women who have gone before us, women who broke barriers, challenged stereotypes, and proved that excellence knows no gender,” she said.
She further paid tribute to trailblazers including Lt Gen (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso, Brig Gen (Rtd) Rebecca Mpagi, Brig Gen (Rtd) Agnes Musoke, Col Betty Musuya, and Maj (Rtd) Gertrude Njuba, noting that their legacy continues to inspire the current generation.
Looking ahead, Brig Gen Bainababo pledged to strengthen mentorship, raise standards of service, and ensure women thrive across all levels of military service. “Our mission goes beyond defending the nation. We must mentor young officers, raise standards of service, and ensure every woman in uniform thrives on the battlefield, in command, and beyond,” she emphasized.
Outgoing Director Col Nekesa, in her parting remarks, underlined the need to continue sensitising units and formations on gender equity and mainstreaming. She noted that such initiatives are not about giving women special treatment but about creating an environment where all personnel can perform to their full potential.
She also reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to international humanitarian law, the Constitution of Uganda, the UPDF Act, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, all of which uphold gender equality and women’s participation in the security sector.
The event was graced by senior and junior officers, other ranks, and civilian staff of the Ministry.
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