Knowledge Sharing Session On Gender And Equity Responsiveness For Senior MODVA/UPDF Leadership

Guest of Honor Hon. Oboth Markson Jacob, the Minister of State for Defence in charge of General Duties (MSD – GD), spoke on Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs’ (MODVA) commitment for inclusive development and streamlining equal gender advancement. At an Orientation for the MODVA’s top management on Gender and Equity Planning and Budgeting that Took place at Central Military Intelligence headquarters – Mbuya.

The objectives of the meeting were to have better understanding of gender concepts and approaches and equity mainstreaming in development planning, to understand the Legal and policy Framework to Gender responsive budgeting, to create a synergy for Gender Responsiveness, to bring light gender transformative decision making to Top Management and Leadership, and Understand the Gender and Equity statutory requirements and compliance.

The Presentation and session were held by Equal Opportunities Commission in conjunction with MODVA’s Human Resources Assistant Commissar Harriet Kyomugisha.

In attendance were Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda representing the CDF, Chief of Staff Land forces Brig Gen Bob Ogiki, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Rosette Byengoma, UPDF Chief of Personnel and Administration Maj Gen George Igumba, and representatives from Local Government, Equal opportunities commission,

Welcoming attendees and senior leaders, Mrs. Rosette Byengoma spoke on the lack of female commanders and presentation in the field because of home obligations, women are seen to forgo opportunities, due to socially constructed roles with limited support.

The EOC representative Ms. Petua Isabirye did a presentation on gender equity & equality, and she’d light on the heavy work-life balance strain on women in the workforce and gender-based violence.