DPP wants special court for Gender Based Violence

By Andrew Ssenyonga

The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has asked government to introduce specialized courts to handle cases of Gender Based Violence (GBVs).

Principal State Attorney and head of Gender and Sexual Offences Unit, Susan Okalany said government should devise measures that would effectively restrain actors of gender based violence, adding that independent courts once set will help in curbing the act.

“Special investigation and prosecution units and special courts/sessions to expedite the handling of GBV cases should be established. Specialized cadres to handle these cases should also be established and empowered,” Okalany said.

Okalany made the call during a meeting organised by Care Uganda and ACORD on access to justice for gender based violence survivors at Serena hotel, Kampala.

She implored MPs, civic leaders and donors to lobby for this court so that the increased numbers of GBVs are disposed off and the victims get justice.

“If these courts are introduced, then the judiciary would be able to clear a total of 6000 cases every year,” she noted.

She explained that in 2012, the DPP handled a total of 23,497 defilement cases and1,808 of rape cases.

“Of these, 8,901 defilement cases and 711 rape cases were new cases. Defilement was the third most prevalent offence committed, after theft (73,538) and assault (31,933).

Of the defilement cases handled in 2012, 6,238 defilement cases were being heard in court, while 6,026 were mentioned in court, only 334 convictions were registered with 63 acquittals,” She explained.

Currently the specialized divisions of the high court include the commercial court, Land division, Anti- corruption court, crime division and the family division.

James Bot, country director CARE said GBV has many effects on the development of a country.

“The country will not develop until, we confront this problem. The victims should receive justice. If it is phased out then the country will be happy, productive and [people contributing positively to the development of the country,” Bot said.