NAMIREMBE– Church of Uganda on Friday 6th December 2024, held an engagement meeting with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in which Dr. Angella Nakafeero, Commissioner of Gender and Women Affairs, shared the current status of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Uganda.
Organized by Church of Uganda’s Directorate of Household and Community Transformation with support from Dan Church Aid (DCA) at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, the meeting was part of the activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Dr. Nakafeero stated that GBV is widespread and affects individuals regardless of their social, economic, or political status and is a major barrier to achieving equality and reducing poverty in Uganda, as noted in the National Development Plan III (2020/21-2024/25).
She revealed that sexual violence has increased, with the Bukedi region reporting the highest rates at 48%, while South Buganda recorded the lowest at 8%.
According to Dr. Nakafeero, reporting of violence has improved significantly, with 70% of victims telling someone about their experience, 43% seeking help, and 66% preferring family assistance.
She also noted the emergence of new forms of violence against women and girls, including online violence and attacks by strangers, and highlighted that men and boys are also increasingly becoming victims/survivors of GBV.
Dr. Nakafeero stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral response to GBV, noting that it leads to increased safety and support for victims/survivors through an effective, immediate, and consistent services network.
“Coordinated activities between relevant institutions improve the quality of services, facilitate access to training programs, and reduce the risk of re-victimization. This approach helps create an institutional and community culture where GBV is not acceptable,” she said.
Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Director of Household and Community Transformation, noted that the rapid adoption of technology has introduced new drivers of violence, such as Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), which threatens the safety of women and children.
“This issue requires urgent attention from policymakers to review and strengthen GBV laws, develop comprehensive policies, and invest in technological solutions to combat TFGBV,” Rev. Agaba said.
He added, “Through the ‘Interfaith Action for Gender Justice and Women Economic Empowerment Program,’ Church of Uganda’s Directorate of Household and Community Transformation continues to invest in women and girls, support initiatives that promote women’s economic empowerment, advocate for policies ensuring gender equality, and amplify the voices of women to build a more just and equitable society.”
Rev. Agaba reiterated Church of Uganda’s commitment to addressing the major gaps and weaknesses in the prevention, response, and management of GBV, particularly in workplaces, private spaces, educational institutions, and communities with entrenched cultural practices that normalize violence against women and girls.
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