Retired Superintendent of Police Pauline Maniraguha Bangirana, Uganda’s first female police officer, has died at 85. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Charles Twiine, head of Parliament Police Criminal Investigations Department, confirmed her passing. He praised her as a pioneer who paved the way for women in law enforcement.
“She broke barriers in 1960 and paved the way for women in law enforcement. I wish Uganda Police honors her legacy and accords her an official burial,” Twiine wrote on X, tagging Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
A Historic Career in Uganda’s Police Force
In 1960, Bangirana and her colleague Rukidi became Uganda’s first female police officers. They later joined eight more women, forming the first group of female officers in a previously all-male force.
Throughout her career, she fought against gender bias in law enforcement. At the time, female officers had to seek permission to marry, and pregnancy often led to dismissal.
Challenging Discrimination in the Police Force
In 1965, Bangirana married with official approval but later faced possible dismissal when she became pregnant. The Police Standing Order Chapter 3 required pregnant officers to resign or be dismissed. Refusing to accept this policy, she appealed to Inspector General of Police Erinayo Wilson Oryema.
In a historic decision, Oryema granted her maternity leave, setting a new precedent for female officers. This victory allowed women in the force to continue their careers after childbirth.
A Legacy of Gender Equality
Bangirana dedicated her career to promoting equal opportunities for women in law enforcement. Initially, female officers were restricted to handling cases involving women and children. However, her advocacy contributed to more women rising to senior command positions over time.
In 2022, she documented her experiences in her autobiography, To Be Shrewd Without Appearing A Shrew. The book details the struggles of early female officers and her fight against gender discrimination.
Honoring Her Contributions
Bangirana’s passing marks the end of an era, but her contributions to the Uganda Police Force remain invaluable. Her fight for gender equality opened doors for countless women in law enforcement.
