Govt to establish regional centres to address GBV

The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is preparing to establish regional centres to provide services for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) victims. 

Mubarak Mayanja, the principal women in development officer in the gender ministry, said the centres will be equipped with a wide range of professionals to provide adequate assistance.  

"The regional one-stop centre will have lawyers and medical workers stationed there, providing comprehensive services," Mayanja said. 

Mubarak Mayanja, the Principal Women in Development Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development speaking after a meeting to Popularise Gender-Based Violence Laws and Policies at Skys Hotel. (Photo by Violet Nabatanzi)

"Our plan is to have regional centres in every region offering comprehensive residential services. Currently, we are collaborating with health centres and hospitals, where health workers provide assistance. We now aim to station medics at GBV shelters to offer medical treatment and examinations, lawyers for legal aid, and Police for investigations," Mayanja explained. 

He further mentioned that they were considering incorporating services for men, except for accommodation. 

During a meeting to Popularise Gender-Based Violence Laws and Policies at Skyz Hotel on October 27, 2023, Mayanja clarified that services, including psychosocial support by a counsellor and legal aid, are available for men as well. 

Peter Eceru, the program coordinator at the advocacy group CEHURD, stated that the majority of GBV survivors are women. He also noted that in 2022, about 114 men and 145 women were killed due to domestic violence. 

"In spite of the rigorous legal and policy environment, we continue to see GBV cases either increasing or stagnating. I believe there's something we are not getting right as a country. While the numbers are on the rise, there is not enough prosecution of GBV cases happening," Eceru remarked. 

Eceru called for a review of the law and addressing the challenges of limited resource allocation to institutions responsible for combating and responding to GBV, such as the Ministry of Gender, Police, and community departments at the districts. 

He also emphasized the need for a witness protection law, specifically for handling young people who are survivors or witnesses of GBV during prosecution. He stated that this would encourage more people to testify, leading to more convictions. 

Reverend Esther Sabiiti, a religious leader at St Luke's Church Ntinda, stated that the Church of Uganda is at the forefront of the fight against GBV.  

She said they provide pro bono services, especially for violated women who cannot afford to pay for services. Additionally, they are offering support to about 60 teenage girls who have given birth before the age of consent.