Female peacekeepers challenged to harness technology in modern peace operations

Female peacekeepers from eight countries have been urged to embrace technology while maintaining accuracy, professionalism and courage as they prepare to serve in increasingly technology-driven peace support operations.
The call was made by the Director of Women Affairs in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Brig Gen Charity Bainababo, while addressing participants attending the United Nations Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Academy for Peace Support Operations at the United Nations offices in Entebbe, Uganda.
Brig Gen Bainababo urged the participants to make effective use of technology in their assignments, but cautioned them against allowing the pressure for speed to compromise accuracy.
She noted that mistakes made while operating digital systems can have serious implications, particularly in matters relating to national security.
“You must not limit your capabilities. Set clear goals and priorities because there are many trained female officers across the globe who are counting on you to lead,” she told the participants.
The senior UPDF officer commended the female peacekeepers for their commitment to serving their respective countries and encouraged them to remain courageous, focused and professional in the execution of their duties.
She also challenged them to strengthen the spirit of sisterhood among female personnel, prioritise their safety, cultivate positive working relationships and continuously improve their professional skills.
The participants attending the course are drawn from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Costa Rica, Morocco, France, Namibia and The Gambia.
Military Police Urged to Uphold Integrity
In a separate engagement, Brig Gen Bainababo challenged Military Police personnel to uphold loyalty, integrity, impartiality and competence in the execution of their responsibilities.
She made the remarks while delivering a lecture to personnel attending a refresher course at the Military Police Academy in Buyala.
Given the sensitive nature of Military Police duties, she emphasised the importance of maintaining confidentiality and understanding the responsibilities that come with enforcing the law and military regulations.
“You can’t enforce what you don’t understand,” she said.
Brig Gen Bainababo identified discipline as a fundamental requirement for Military Police personnel and urged them to maintain high standards of conduct while carrying out their duties.
She further encouraged the personnel to build and sustain strong relationships with the Wananchi, emphasising that the UPDF’s mandate is centred on serving and protecting the people.
The engagements formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professional capacity, discipline and effective service delivery among military personnel, while equipping peacekeepers to operate effectively in an increasingly technology-driven environment.