The Commandant of the Military Police Brigade, Maj. Gen. William Bainomugisha, has directed female soldiers to prioritize mandatory military courses over early childbearing to secure career advancement within the armed forces.
Maj. Gen. Bainomugisha made the remarks during the opening of a two-day seminar for female combatants held at the 10 Military Police Brigade Headquarters in Makindye.
He warned that soldiers who evade promotional and tactical training cannot expect to maintain operational postings within the specialized Military Police formation.
“Be ready to exit or do Military Police courses to fit the task credentials than producing,” Maj. Gen. Bainomugisha told the soldiers.
He pointed to senior female UPDF Generals as role models, highlighting that their elevated ranks were attained through rigorous field work, academic discipline, and completing competitive military courses.
The two-day evaluation seminar was organized to assess the operational performance of female personnel assigned to critical responsibilities, particularly VIP close protection and custodial management in military detention facilities.
Maj. Gen. Bainomugisha explained that high-stakes security duties require advanced qualifications, including Level III certifications, and advised personnel to complete at least four years of active military service before starting families.
The seminar convened 336 female officers and non-commissioned personnel from various Military Police battalions and brigade staff units.
Several female personnel were unable to attend due to active deployment on ongoing security operations across the Kampala Metropolitan Area or attendance at distant training schools.
The newly appointed Brigade Administration Officer (BAO), Lt. Col. Solome Nalukowe, addressed the assembly, urging the combatants to place personal discipline and regimentation at the core of their military duties.
Sharing her professional experience, Capt. Winfred Sande cautioned colleagues about the career costs of early childbearing, noting: “As other fellow combatants are attending military courses and participating in other military duties, you are on maternity leave.”
Capt. Sande highlighted that postponing childbirth during her first four years of service allowed her to attend the Political Commissariat course, secure UPDF study sponsorship, and earn a commissioned officer rank.
The seminar was attended by senior formation staff, including the Brigade Political Commissar, Maj. Begiza.
