Legal clinic brings together residents, stakeholders to end domestic violence in Iganga

Dec 03, 2022

The event which attracted more than 400 people was held at Bulamagi sub-county playgrounds on Friday, December 2.

DPC Patrick Byaruhanga sensitizing people about their rights

Ritah Mukasa
Journalist @New Vision

In commemoration of the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), residents of Bulamagi village in Iganga district were sensitized about issues surrounding violence against women, men and children.

They also explored property rights, land grabbing, police bond and where to get help in case of abuse. Later, they were allowed to ask questions while expressing their grievances, which were addressed, by security personnel, lawyers and local leaders.

There was also a corner where lawyers had one-on-one with aggrieved residents.

The event which attracted more than 400 people was held at Bulamagi sub-county playgrounds on Friday, December 2.

It was under the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action program (Heroes 4GTA) funded by MIFUMU, Cordaid and the Embassy of Netherlands among other partners.

The Program is about empowering ordinary people to take charge of their sexual and health issues and exercise their right to a life free of violence.

The event was mostly attended by women

The event was mostly attended by women

The participants included JLOS (The Justice, Law and Order Sector) including police, lawyers, social workers and local leaders among others.

Patrick Byaruhanga, District Police Commander for Iganga implored residents to be conscious of their rights such that they are not exploited or taken advantage of due to ignorance.

He added that it is everyone’s responsibility to fight GBV and to report and follow up on cases of the victims.

“Do not be intimidated. Be a responsible citizen by reporting any abuse and follow up the cases such that together we end GBV,” he said.

He also cautioned people against neglecting their children something that has increased cases of child abuse and teenage pregnancies.

Lucy Mary Athieno, a GBV specialist with MIFUMI, an international non-government women's rights organization warned that everyone is prone to violence. He implored people to eliminate it because it does not solve problems but rather escalates them.

“Statistics show that one in every three women has experienced violence but the majority fear to report. This year’s theme encourages us to unite against it,” she stressed.

Athieno gave an analogy of a village chairperson who always protected his mischievous son but with time; he raped his own sister and mother. That is when he woke up to act but it was too late.

Brian Katete, a lawyer sensitized the group about the different kinds of marriage and advised those that do not have the means to embrace civil marriage because it is convenient and affordable.

In addition, he advised women who are cohabiting to be vigilant while acquiring property with their partners.

For example, if they pool money to buy land, the agreement should have both names not only the husband as it is commonly done. This is because, if they separate, the woman can hardly claim ownership.

On the other hand, Ahmed Mulongo, the Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO) cautioned local leaders to put wrangles aside in order to serve the people.

He was responding to Harriet Birungi, a Hero champion of Buwasa village who complained that on many occasions, they ask for the local chairperson’s intervention in domestic violence wrangles but he ignores them saying he is tired of such cases.

Mulongo advised the social workers to always seek help from higher authorities if the local leaders ignore them.

Meanwhile, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.

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