As Uganda joined the global community in commemorating 25 years of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) urged the government to address the persistent gender imbalance in the country’s security institutions.
During the Kampala commemoration, UWONET Executive Director Rita Aciro-Lakor emphasized that Uganda cannot fully implement the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda without increasing women’s representation in decision-making spaces, particularly within the police and armed forces. "Resolution 1325 placed women at the heart of peace and security processes," Aciro said. "However, more than two decades later, women still remain on the margins of Uganda’s security sector."
According to UWONET’s analysis, women represent only 18% of officers in the Uganda Police Force, far below the 35% benchmark established under affirmative action. Representation in the military is even lower, with few women in leadership or decision-making positions.
Aciro highlighted that these underrepresentation rates have serious implications for justice delivery, protection, and community trust in law enforcement, particularly for survivors of gender-based violence.
"When women are underrepresented in security institutions, their concerns are often overlooked," she said. "We need more women investigating cases, leading stations, and shaping policing policies that address the needs of all citizens."
The 2024 Uganda Police Crime Report documented 14,073 cases of domestic violence and 14,425 sexual offenses, underscoring the vulnerability of women and girls and the urgent need for gender-sensitive policing.
Aciro urged the government, especially the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Uganda Police Force, to adopt targeted strategies for recruiting, retaining, and promoting women at all levels.
"We need a national action plan that specifically targets women’s participation in the security sector," she said. "The government must ensure that women are not only visible but also influential in shaping decisions on peace and security."
She also called on Parliament and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to ensure accountability regarding existing gender equity laws, as well as prioritize funding for recruitment and mentorship programs that prepare women for leadership roles within security institutions.
While increasing numbers is crucial, Aciro stressed that inclusion must go hand in hand with changing the institutional culture within the police and military. She noted reports of sexual harassment, inadequate maternity support, and bias in promotions as significant deterrents preventing women from joining or advancing in security careers.
"Representation must be supported by an enabling environment," she said. "We need reforms that make our security institutions safe and supportive for women officers."
Aciro concluded that creating a peaceful and secure Uganda requires intentional inclusion—from policy design to practical implementation.
"When women are part of decision-making, communities become safer," she said. "The government must invest in women’s leadership at every level of security and governance. When women lead, peace truly follows."