The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has called on female police officers to embrace resilience, build confidence, and continuously add value to themselves as they take up opportunities within the Uganda Police Force.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 3rd Annual Female Police Officers Conference held at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Justice Abodo emphasized that true empowerment goes beyond numbers, urging deliberate support to enable women rise into leadership positions. She explained that without intentional support, many women may remain excluded from leadership spaces, stressing the need to empower them to influence policy and decision-making.
The conference, organized by the Department of Gender and Women Affairs in collaboration with UN Women, was held under the theme;
“Empowering Female Police Leadership for Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Policing.”
Earlier in the day, Adekemi Ndieli, Deputy Country Representative at UN Women, called for bold, collective action to advance women’s leadership and strengthen gender-responsive reporting.
She emphasized the organization’s continued commitment to support the Uganda Police Force in promoting gender-responsive and inclusive policing through training and capacity building.
She also appreciated the progress made in the deployment and recruitment of women within the Force, adding that more effort is still needed to fully empower women and enhance their participation in leadership and operational roles.
AIGP Hadijah Namutebi, Director of Welfare, Production and Sports, challenged female officers to actively position themselves for leadership by increasing their visibility and participation at decision-making levels.
She stressed the need for transparent promotion systems that prioritize merit and performance, while also calling for deliberate efforts in mentorship, training, and exposure to prepare women for leadership roles.
AIGP Jesse Kamunanwire, Director of Human Resource Administration, who represented the Inspector General of Police, emphasized that leadership should not be confined to rank or position but defined by influence, integrity, and the ability to inspire change.
He encouraged female officers to build strong support networks and develop practical strategies that can be implemented within their respective areas of service.
The conference also featured a range of speakers who addressed key issues affecting female officers and the wider community, including physical health, mental health, family dynamics, personal growth, and challenges faced by women both within the Force and in society.
The conference brought together senior female officers from across the Force, focusing on strengthening leadership capacity and promoting gender-responsive policing.
This third edition of the conference has evolved into a key platform that brings together female officers, senior police management from various directorates, UN Women, and representatives from higher learning institutions.
The gathering provides an opportunity to share experiences, address challenges faced by women within the Force and the wider community, and develop practical strategies to empower female officers while enhancing their effectiveness in service delivery.
