Several women have excelled in Uganda’s military since the country gained independence in 1962, breaking traditional gender barriers and making significant contributions to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). These women have broken barriers and played crucial roles in shaping Uganda’s military, contributing to defence, governance, and public service at various levels. Their achievements demonstrate how far women have come in the military sphere, a traditionally male-dominated field.

Brigadier General Flavia Byekwaso

Brigadier General Flavia Byekwaso has broken new ground in the UPDF as a leader in the military’s operational ranks. Her journey was highlighted by the application of her skills to effectively shape the UPDF’s public image.

Born on December 29, 1971, in the Central Region of Uganda, Byekwaso attended St. Mathias Kalemba Senior Secondary School, in Nazigo, Katanga District, for both her O and A levels. For her university studies, Byekwaso attended Makerere University in Kampala where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

In 1997, Byekwaso was recruited as a cadet officer in the UPDF and attained a Military Course at the School of Military Infantry, Jinja. In 2007, Byekwaso attended military training at the Junior Staff College in Jinja, and in 2009, she was recommended to study at Nanjing Military College in China, where she completed a Battalion Commanders Course. In 2011, she furthered her studies with a Senior Staff Course at the Senior Staff College Kimaka, Jinja. In 2012, she returned to Makerere University and earned a master’s degree in public administration and management.

Throughout her career in the UPDF, Byekwaso has served in various roles, including protocol officer, military assistant, administrative officer, and director of women’s affairs. In 2010, she became deputy commandant and later served as Principal Logistics Officer from 2012 to 2013, before being promoted to Director of Logistics from 2014 to 2016. In 2016, as a Lieutenant Colonel, she was elected to represent the UPDF in the 10th Parliament and was a member of the committee on public service. In February 2019, she was among 2,031 UPDF personnel promoted to higher ranks.

Byekwaso’s career in military public relations quickly established her as a key figure within the UPDF. She became the first woman in Uganda’s history to be appointed spokesperson for the UPDF in 2020, a milestone that marked a turning point for gender inclusion within the force. As the public face of the military, she managed internal and external communications, fostering transparency and trust between the military and the public.

Her leadership capabilities were further recognised when she was promoted to Brigadier General in 2021, making her one of the few women to hold such a high rank in the UPDF. Beyond her communications expertise, Byekwaso has advocated for the inclusion of more women in the armed forces, emphasising the need for gender equity in leadership positions.

In May 2023, Brigadier General Byekwaso took on a new role as Chief of Staff at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center (URDCC) in Jinja City. She took over the mantle from Brigadier Stephen Kashure, who had served as both chief of staff and acting commandant of the entity. This marked another historic achievement, as she became the first female officer to hold this position. URDCC handles the deployment of officers to manage humanitarian crises and support peace operations both domestically and abroad.

Her appointment came shortly after completing senior military training at the National Defence College in Buikwe District, preparing her for the administrative and operational responsibilities that come with her role. Byekwaso’s leadership at URDCC reflects her deep understanding of military strategy and her ability to lead complex operations, making her a role model for women across Uganda’s defence forces and beyond.