Govt should prioritise women's security - CSOs

PIC: Mitooma Woman MP Jovah Kamateeka at the event. (Credit: Prisca Baike)

WOMEN | SECURITY 

By Prisca Baike

KAMPALA - Women's groups have asked the Government to step up its efforts to provide security for women across the country.

Helen Kezie-Nwoha, the executive director of Isis-Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange, expressed her dissatisfaction towards the manner in which the Government has handled the issue regarding the rampant murders and kidnaps of women in the country.

This was during the Post 62nd commission on the status of women forum held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala recently.

Over 30 women murders were reported last year around Wakiso and Kampala alone yet they remain unsolved as more women continue being kidnapped and killed in the same gruesome manner. A recent case in point is Susan Magara's murder that Nwoha described as frightening.

It is upon this background that women's rights groups are urging the Government to prioritise the security of women in the country.

"As a women's rights organisation, we feel that the state is not doing enough to provide protection for women and yet they have the responsibility to provide for our protection," Nwoha said.

She noted that the level of insecurity of women has put them in a state where women cannot afford to go to work to earn money or move freely as provided for by their rights.

Nwoha acknowledged that although the Government may have other competing priorities, providing security for women in Uganda, who constitute half of the population, means so much to the country's economy.

Sandra Komuhiimbo, the co-ordinator, research and knowledge management at the Uganda Women's Network, said several interventions had been put in place to stop what she described as an undesirable cruelty towards women.

"We have engaged security agencies and the Inspector General of Police in discussions to end these murders," Komuhiimbo said. She added that several public rallies had also been organised by several civil society organisations to draw government's attention towards prioritising women's safety in the country.

Komuhiimbo noted that the lack of security is curtailing women's contribution towards the country's development.

Patrick Onyango, the police deputy spokesperson, said although it is the Police's mandate to provide security for both men and women, there is a fully fledged women's affairs department that is dedicated to addressing specifically women's issues.

"It remains top on our agenda to ensure that all people are safe and we advise women to take precautions as we handle this issue," Onyango said.

He advised women to avoid moving alone late at night, to avoid being around suspicious people and to report to the Police when they feel threatened.

Obiga Kania, the state minister for internal affairs said that there are concerted efforts by the Government to ensure women's safety in the country.

Kania explained said the Government is in the process of acquiring and installing CCTV cameras in various parts of the country in a bid to improve security and ease investigations in cases where women and any other citizens are victims of crime.