Minister Jeje Odongo calls for punishment of sexual violence perpetrators

Apr 09, 2019

“SGBV is the remaining challenge that we face and we must strive to address it individually or collectively. We must ensure that prevention of SGBV is effective; impunity of perpetrators is challenged and punishment is prohibitive,” he said.

WAKISO- The Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo has called for collaborative efforts from Police, judiciary and other stakeholders in fighting sexual  and gender-based violence (SGBV), which he said has affected women's productivity.
 
"SGBV is the remaining challenge that we face and we must strive to address it individually or collectively. We must ensure that prevention of SGBV is effective; impunity of perpetrators is challenged and punishment is prohibitive," he said.
 
This was contained in a speech read on Odongo's behalf by Benon  Mutambi,  the Permanent Secretary in the Uganda Ministry of Internal Affairs during  a regional meeting of Police chiefs, reproductive health experts about SGBV.
 
Organised by International Conference on the Great lakes Region (ICGLR) in partnership with population council, the meeting took place at Serena Hotel, Kigo in Wakiso  district on Monday.
 
enon utambi in blue suit during the conference hoto by ilson ainishimwe 
Benon Mutambi( in blue suit) during the conference. (Photo by Wilson Mainishimwe)

 

 

"We must also ensure that there is an effective mechanism that supports survivors of SGBV to regain health and dignity. Uganda has done all it can to put in place necessary infrastructure, both law and policy that will empower women and children," said the minister.
 
The director of peace operations in Uganda Police, AIGP Grace Turyagumanawe said Police must ensure detection and prevention of sexual violence in communities.
 
Turyagumanawe who also represented Inspector General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola however, expressed concern about absence of regulations that protects victims of sexual gender based violence.
 
"At Police level, we have established divisions in the fight against sexual gender based violence. We have the child and family protection unit, women department among others all aimed at combating SGBV," he said.
 
Nathan Byamukama, the director for ICGLR regional training facility noted that SGBV remains the biggest challenge in the region, affecting productivity of victims. He said the region must work together in the fight against SGBV until the vice is completely eliminated.
 
"The culture of impunity of sexual violence on women remains high with few cases reported and logically concluded. There is urgent need to bring to an end impunity, protect women and girls as well as ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are prosecuted," said Byamukama.

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