Uganda
Uganda’s army chief on Wednesday allowed an 8-year old girl to act in his stead.
Angel Tyra Muwanguzi a pupil of “Train Up a Child Primary School,” Bugolobi took the seat of General Katumba Wamala. She served as Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, for ten minutes.
The ceremony was organized by Ugandan wing of Plan International together with Gals Forum International, a local NGO. The idea is to demonstrate that girls can perform duties that men do.
It is part of the events the groups organized ahead of the International day of the girl child scheduled for 11th October.
Today, Muwanguzi Angel Tyra (8) took over General Katumba Wamala's position of Chief of Defense for a few hours #GirlsTakeover pic.twitter.com/sIWAtfy9s9
— Plan international (@PlanUganda) October 5, 2016
“We want to demystify the accessibility to this office and so are pleased to be a part of this event to support and inspire girls on this memorable day,” Gen. Katumba said after the event.
Plan International Uganda’s Head of Programmes said, “We have closely worked with other government line ministries but rarely with the Defense ministry and so this is a rare and special occasion for us which we hope to be the start of a strong partnership to fulfill girls’ rights.”
Key issues highlighted during the meeting included: Recruitment of more women into the army as well ensuring daughters of the army too can learn, lead, decide and thrive.
“The Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy has been launched by the Government. We wish to see ECD centers for army children as well” a top officer of Plan International Uganda noted.
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