Deputy Chief Justice calls for multi-sectoral approach in SGBV fight
According to the deputy CJ, the fight against SGBV cases must extend beyond courts to families, communities and other institutions.
Court of Appeal Justice Eva Luswata welcomes Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi at the function on Friday. (Photo by Farooq Kasule)
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Uganda's Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi has called for a multi-sectoral approach in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Kawumi argues that SGBV cases are a society problem that requires concerted efforts in combating them.
“In my first criminal session after my appointment as a judge, I had 40 criminal cases but 30 of them were SGBV cases. The next criminal session also had 30 cases. When I inquired from other judges, it was the same story. So, SGBV cases account for 70% of our criminal sessions. This is bothering me. What are we not doing right as a society? So, I believe we need a multi-sectoral approach to tackle them,” he said.
According to the deputy CJ, the fight against SGBV cases must extend beyond courts to families, communities and other institutions.
“Sexual and gender-based violence is not simply a criminal justice issue. It is a violation of human dignity, a threat to the family, a burden on communities, and an impediment to development."
Kawumi made the call while presiding over the inaugural International Association of Women Judges–Uganda Chapter (IAWJ-UC) partners’ event at the Supreme Court in Kampala on Friday (August 14).
The event was held under the theme “Beyond the Bench: Partnership for Equal Justice", bringing together female judicial officers, development partners, civil society organisations, and members of the media.
The association’s goal to reach 1,000 families in 1,000 communities in 1,000 days was a key focus of the event.
Kawumi described this goal as ambitious and profoundly human, noting that behind every number is a person, behind every victim is a family and behind every affected family is a community.
He urged stakeholders to measure progress not only by the number of cases handled but by the lives, families and communities transformed through collective action.
He noted that Uganda’s response to violence against women and girls is anchored in the constitution, the Domestic Violence Act, the Penal Code Act and laws governing sexual offences, as well as international and regional commitments.
“The existence of laws is only the beginning. The true measure of justice is whether those laws work for the person who needs them,” he added.
Kawumi commended the chapter’s programme, saying: “These initiatives remind us that a survivor’s journey does not end when a case is disposed of. There must be space for recovery, dignity, economic resilience, and reintegration.”
Kawumi also underscored the responsibility of every actor in the justice chain, from police and prosecutors to courts, health and social services, communities, civil society and development partners, saying each has a role in investigation, prosecution, adjudication, protection, recovery and prevention.
He said the judiciary will continue to work with the association and its partners to strengthen gender-responsive adjudication, improve case management and build the capacity of judicial officers.
“Government enhanced the female representation in the Judiciary to ensure equity in the administration of justice. Therefore, it is not enough to occupy space, but you must ensure that the marginalised groups are taken care of,” he said.
He said justice must never be a privilege for the few but inclusive and equitable for all people regardless of their social status.
The minister also underscored the need to increase the number of judges at the Industrial Court saying it is extremely unmanned yet the working force in the country has increased.
Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo, who is also the patron of the Women Judges’ Association, underscored the importance of empowering their people to know their legal rights.
“Let us support all initiatives that bring justice to communities. Our success should not be measured by our numbers, but by what we do with our positions."
High Court Judge Olive Kazaarwe, the president of the International Association of Women Judges–Uganda Chapter, underscored the need for a national response for SGBV cases.
“We did this for HIV & AIDS and we succeeded."
With crimes increasing every day, Kazaarwe said it is time for the judges to move beyond delivering judgements and also empower the communities. “We intend to produce a national anti-SGBV film to break the chain of SGBV cases."
She commended UN Women, among others, for funding the training of judicial officers which has enabled them to appreciate SGBV cases.