Uganda on Sunday commemorated International Women’s Day also known as “March 8” with an all-women military parade.
Women drawn from Uganda’s security institutions, including the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Prisons Service took part in the military parade.
“Security institutions that were once largely dominated by men now increasingly reflect the leadership, professionalism and resilience of Ugandan women,” said President Yoweri Museveni in a speech read out on his behalf.
Museveni said International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to highlight the critical role of women and girls in both community and national development.
The president said that the government has long promoted the empowerment of women and girls through education, supportive legislation and economic programs to enable their full contribution to national development.
“Education and skilling of the girl-child is an effective method of empowering not only women but the entire society,” he said.
The parade served as a visible testament to the progress women have made in national service, governance and security.
This year’s international women’s day was celebrated under the theme: “Scaling up investment to accelerate access to justice for women and girls across Uganda.”
MG/as/APA