ACFODE Advocates Affirmative Action In Army

Mar 16, 2004

ACTION for Development (ACFODE) officials yesterday recommended that a third of the UPDF be women and affirmative action be considered in all army appointments.

By Josephine Maseruka

ACTION for Development (ACFODE) officials yesterday recommended that a third of the UPDF be women and affirmative action be considered in all army appointments.

They were opposed to the ‘discriminatory’ clause 65 that provides for the dismissal of a female cadet or recruit trainee if she becomes pregnant four years from the date of enrolment into the forces.

A team led by Regina Bataka was presenting a memorandum containing gender concerns identified within the UPDF bill 2003.

The parliamentary sectoral committee on defence and internal affairs was chaired by Simon Mayende ( Samia Bugwe South) and Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu of the East African Legislative Assembly contributed to the debate.

ACFODE officials said the clause does not conform to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination Against Women that Uganda ratified in 1985.
“It limits the number of women joining the UPDF and denies them reproductive rights, Bataka said.
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