DP cites 'legal barriers' to combating increasing GBV cases

 
The Democratic Party (DP) has raised concerns about what it is calling legal barriers hindering efforts to combat increasing gender-based violence (GBV) in Uganda, just ahead of Women's Day celebrations.

DP Women's League president Sarah Adong says there is, therefore, a need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect women and girls.

According to Adong, GBV remains a pervasive issue in Uganda, with 95% of women experiencing physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.

The National Survey on Violence in Uganda reveals alarming statistics, including 533,379 children aged 10-17 reported as married or cohabiting.

On March 3, 2026, Adong, during the weekly media briefing at DP headquarters on Balintuma Road in Rubaga division, Kampala city, cited several challenges, including inadequate implementation of existing laws, limited access to justice, and societal norms perpetuating violence.

“We need to address the gaps in our laws and ensure effective enforcement to protect women and girls," Adong said.

As the country and the world commemorate this year's Women's Day with the theme: Scaling up investment to accelerate access to justice for all women and girls in Uganda, on March 6, Adong says, there are so many barriers derailing 'us from achieving the above', such as limited funding, technical and political resources to eliminate legal barriers to strengthen gender-responsive mechanisms and combat GBV.

“There is still limited legal awareness, inadequate legal aid, systematic justice system failures,” Adong said.

Uganda has made progress in promoting gender equality, with laws like the 1995 Constitution and the National Gender Policy. However, more needs to be done to address GBV.

The Government launched a National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan in 2016, aiming to end practices promoting violence against women and girls.

As Uganda prepares to celebrate Women's Day, DP and other stakeholders urge the Government to prioritise GBV prevention and response.

LCs and women council elections

Adong said they are growing restless as the upcoming LC and women council elections, scheduled for March-April, approach because the Electoral Commission has allegedly failed to create awareness.

The party is counting on its grassroots leaders to drive the campaign and ensure a strong showing at the polls. With the election timeline ticking away, the pressure is on to get things in order.