Female soldiers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have received praise for showcasing their abilities during their deployment in international missions.
Colonel Betty Musuya, who heads the Women Affairs department in the UPDF, expressed her satisfaction with the performance of the female soldiers. She commended them for taking up various roles, including leadership positions and combat duties such as piloting combat helicopters. These roles, she noted, had contributed positively to the achievements in the mission area.
Colonel Musuya conducted a working visit to Somalia, where she visited several Forward Operating Bases in Sector One. Her purpose was to evaluate the combat readiness of the troops and to understand the experiences and challenges faced by female peacekeepers in a multi-national and foreign mission like ATMIS.
During her visit, Colonel Musuya encouraged the female soldiers to prioritize building trust and maintaining open communication within their families. She also advised them to balance their time between work and family commitments. She cautioned against indulging in luxurious or reckless lifestyles and instead recommended prudent financial management to support the well-being and development of their families.
The Directorate of Women’s Affairs in the UPDF is tasked with advocating for the rights and welfare of female combatants within the force. As part of her visit, Colonel Musuya was accompanied by officers and staff from this directorate, emphasizing the importance of their role in supporting and empowering women in the military.
