Uganda Today: Muhoozi Sparks Outrage with Chauvinistic Comment on Female Soldiers’ Attire
— Uganda Today Newsroom
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has drawn fierce criticism from gender rights activists, members of the public, and professional military analysts after making what many have described as a chauvinistic and regressive statement about the dress code of female soldiers.
In a controversial post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Gen. Muhoozi declared:
“All female comrades in the UPDF shall from now on march in skirts. Trousers are for men not for women. Anyone who forces our sisters to put on trousers on parade again will have a very bad day.”
The statement has since gone viral, with many Ugandans expressing concern over what they see as a sexist directive that undermines the professionalism, dignity, and equality of female personnel in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Backlash from Human Rights and Gender Equality Advocates
Reacting to the post, gender rights advocate Lydia Namayega, who has previously worked with the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), called the remarks “deeply disappointing and backward.”
“The UPDF is not a fashion show. It is a professional military institution. Imposing gender stereotypes on what women can or cannot wear, especially in a discipline-driven institution, undermines the sacrifices and capabilities of female soldiers,” Namayega told Uganda Today.
Others pointed out the irony of a top army general trivializing serious issues such as dress code while issues of welfare, promotion discrimination, and harassment remain unaddressed within security forces.
Military Experts Weigh In
Brig. (Rtd) Patrick Mwesigye, a former UPDF officer now turned security analyst, described the statement as a “misstep that undermines decades of efforts to build a gender-inclusive military.”
“The focus should be on efficiency, skill, and discipline — not skirts and trousers. This order, if enforced, might attract ridicule from international observers and contradicts evolving global military standards,” Mwesigye said.
A Pattern of Controversial Public Remarks
Gen. Muhoozi, son of President Yoweri Museveni, is no stranger to controversy on social media. Over the past few years, his tweets have ranged from political endorsements and foreign policy commentary to personal musings that sometimes ignite national debates. However, critics warn that such unchecked remarks from the country’s top military officer could erode institutional professionalism and compromise civil-military relations.
Female Soldiers Speak Out — Anonymously
Some female soldiers who spoke to Uganda Today on condition of anonymity expressed dismay over the directive. One senior non-commissioned officer said:
“We already face enough gender-based challenges within the ranks. Dictating our parade uniform based on stereotypes instead of comfort, functionality, and professionalism is a step backwards.”
What the UPDF Act Says
According to the UPDF Code of Conduct and standard military guidelines, uniform regulations are determined by the military high command in line with operational, ceremonial, and climate-related requirements — not personal preference or gender norms.
As of press time, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs had not issued an official statement clarifying whether Gen. Muhoozi’s post represents an official directive or a personal opinion.
Growing Public Sentiment
The post has sparked debates across Ugandan social media spaces, with hashtags like #SkirtsForSoldiers and #LetSoldiersBeSoldiers trending among young Ugandans. A majority of respondents argued that female soldiers deserve to wear what best serves their tactical duties and training environments.
A Call for Institutional Accountability
Analysts say this latest controversy could reignite calls for social media regulation of serving military officers and the establishment of clearer communication protocols for those occupying sensitive state offices.
As public sentiment builds and questions around gender equity in Uganda’s armed forces re-emerge, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Defence to either back or rebut what could go down as one of the most controversial gendered military remarks in recent years.
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