UPDF Conducts Gender Training for Peace Support Operations

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has launched a two-week training programme on Gender in Peace Support Operations at the Headquarter Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC) in Jinja.

The programme brings together officers and personnel from various UPDF units and is facilitated by advisers from the British Peace Support Team Africa (BPST-A).

Colonel J.E. Okalebo, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations representing the Commander of HR URDC, said at the opening ceremony that gender is not solely about women but encompasses the roles, responsibilities, and power relations among men, women, boys, and girls.

He stressed that integrating gender perspectives into peace support operations is essential for operational effectiveness and is required by regional, continental, and international bodies for mission deployment. “Experience from UPDF deployments shows that incorporating gender considerations before and during missions enhances operational effectiveness, strengthens intelligence gathering, builds community trust, and informs better protection strategies,” Col Okalebo added.

Ms. Monica Musyoni, a Gender Adviser leading the BPST-A facilitation team, praised the partnership with the UPDF, describing it as a reflection of both organisations’ commitment to professional military development and shared responsibility for advancing peace and security in Africa.

She noted that peace operations must consider cultural experiences that shape gender roles, community dynamics, perceptions of authority, and security experiences. “Integrating a gender perspective ensures missions do not simply respond to conflict but contribute to building inclusive societies where everyone’s potential is recognised,” Ms. Musyoni said.

The training aims to strengthen the understanding and integration of gender considerations at every stage of peace support operations. BPST-A, which provides training and support to African military, police, and civilian personnel for peace support and security programmes, will be joined by UPDF gender experts as facilitators.