In 2011, Proscovia Nalweyiso became the first female Brigadier General in Uganda, a noteworthy achievement, which was celebrated across the continent. Fast-forward to 2017, the country has recorded another remarkable milestone, the promotion of Brigadier Nalweyiso to the rank of Major General.
The newly promoted Major General is among several officers promoted, transferred or replaced by President Yoweri Museveni and announced in a press release by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
With the appointment, Nalweyiso becomes the country’s first Major General, and one of the few women across the continent to hold such a powerful military position.
Born in June 1954 in Mpigi, Maj Gen Nalweyiso has extensive military experience. The 62 year-old joined the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1982, and she played a key role in the armed resistance war.
When the NRA emerged victorious, the NRA became the national army. After distinguishing herself in the resistance war Nalweyiso held various top ranks, first as Captain and she was deployed as Commandant of the Women’s Wing in the Army. She rose through the ranks, from Major, Lt. Colonel, and Brigadier to her latest appointment as Maj General.
The historic development is proof that women in Uganda and Africa are indeed pushing boundaries and scaling barriers, which have for long seemed insurmountable. The historic appointment will undoubtedly inspire young girls and women in Uganda, and indeed across the continent to follow their dreams, and reach for their goals.
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Maj Gen Nalweyiso’s historic accomplishment is being shared and celebrated across various social media platforms.
We applaud and congratulate Maj Gen Nalweyiso on the remarkable achievement.