By Frank Kamuntu
Pauline Maniraguha Bangirana, the first woman to serve in the Uganda Police Force, has passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a powerful legacy that transformed the force.
Bangirana’s death was confirmed by ASP Charles Twiine, the head of the Parliament Police Criminal Investigations Department, who called attention to her pioneering role in Uganda’s law enforcement history.
Twiine, reflecting on her groundbreaking achievements, highlighted her role in breaking societal barriers in 1960. He also called for Uganda Police to honor her legacy with an official burial, tagging Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa in his post.
As a member of the first group of female police officers in Uganda, Bangirana, along with her colleague Rukidi, made history in 1960. They were trailblazers, joining a police force that had, until then, been exclusively male. The two were the first women to step into a male-dominated domain, with eight more women eventually following in their footsteps.
Throughout her career, Bangirana was candid about the hardships she and other women faced within the force. She often spoke of the restrictive policies that governed their professional lives, including the strict rules around marriage and pregnancy.
Female officers were required to ask for permission to marry, and any pregnancy could result in dismissal. These harsh regulations were a part of the institutionalized challenges women faced at the time.
Bangirana also advocated for women’s expanded roles in the force, lamenting that they were often restricted to handling cases related to women and children. However, she took pride in witnessing women rise through the ranks and secure senior command positions, a testament to the evolving opportunities for women in Uganda’s police service.
Her death signals the close of an era in Uganda’s police history, as calls for an official burial grow in recognition of her invaluable contributions. As the first female police officer in Uganda, Pauline Maniraguha Bangirana’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of women in law enforcement.
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