A 7-member delegation from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) led by Brigadier General Alex Opolot Olupo have called on the Chief of Staff (COS) Major General Prince Osei-Owusu in Burma Camp on Monday 11 March, 2024.

The visit provided a platform for the delegation to engage Major General Osei-Owusu on strategies for integrating and supporting female soldiers in the Armed Forces.

The COS commended UPDF for taking the necessary steps to address gender issues in the military and emphasised the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all service personnel. He underscored the need for continuous collaboration and learning to ensure that female combatants receive the necessary resources and opportunities to excel in their roles.

Brigadier General Olupo, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from Ghana’s experiences in managing female soldiers, adding that UPDF was glad to follow the steps of GAF. He highlighted the importance of gender mainstreaming in the military and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the armed forces.

Following the courtesy call were series of lectures by some Commissioned Officers on GAF’s organizational structure used to manage female combatants. The lecture also included recruitment, training, deployment, support system, career advancement of women in combat and leadership, and sexual harassment as well as gender-based violence.