Women, Police march against domestic violence

By Francis Emorut

Women rights activists and the Police on Friday held a demonstration against gender-based violence. The Police and the activists marched from Police headquarters on Parliament Avenue along Jinja Road up to Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.

The deputy Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola, joined the activists as the chief walker.

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The Police officers marching during the launch of the campaign against Domestic violence at Kampala on Friday. PHOTO: Ronnie Kijjambu                               
 

The chairperson of Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), Sheila Kawamara said the demonstration is intended to create awareness among the public of the dangers of domestic violence. It will also be used to mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence as well as educating the public about the new amended Police Form 3 and Form 3A.

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The Police officers marching during the launch of the campaign against Domestic violence at Kampala on Friday. PHOTO: Ronnie Kijjambu                                

The new Police forms are free of charge, unlike in the past when a victim of sexual violence used to pay.

The forms will be filled by health workers when examining a victim of sexual violence and will be used in courts of law as evidence. She said the new Police form will improve case management of sexual crimes.

The UNFPA senior gender-based violence coordinator, Roselidah Ondeko, urged the Police to ensure that Police forms 3 and 3A are available at all police stations and investigate cases leading to the prosecution of culprits involved in rape and defilement cases.

The demonstration was organised by UWONET in conjunction with the gender ministry and UNFPA.