Police chiefs join hands to fight sexual and gender-based violence

Apr 14, 2019

According to Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2016, 22% of women aged 15 to 49 in the country had experienced some form of sexual violence.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
 
As cases of sexual and gender-based violance (SGBV) top the region, Police chiefs from  9 countries of the Great Lake Region held a meeting at Serena Hotel Kigo Entebbe to discuss the leading cause and solutions to  SGBV.
 
Inspector Generals of Police from 9 countries including  Republic of Congo Brazzaville, Burundi, Kenya , Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),Sudan , South Sudan, Central Republic, Zambia , Tanzania and Uganda the host agreed on the ten points which the 12 members states should adopt.
 
Among the issues discussed was to do with member states clearing with Police before giving out emergency contraceptives to victims as a measure to immediate unwanted pregnancies.
 

 

 
Speaking after amending the agreement, the   Regional Director International Conference on Great Lake Region (ICGLR)  Nathan Byamukama said police provision of emergency contraceptive to sexual violence victims has been tested in Zambia and Malawi and has been proven feasible and effective  calling  all member states to  adopt.
 
‘'Since the Police are the first persons to record the victims particulars, the victim may have confidence in him or her  than the second person and if contraceptives are available that person can take it without fear than taking them to hospital which forces  them to run way '' Byamukama explained
 
Currently in Uganda its Police that investigates and gives recommendation to victims before being examined by the medical personal and later given emergency contraceptive.
 
The State Minister for Primary Health Care, Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu said sexual violence cuts across all regions so, the joint fight with Police from great lake region is key in transforming the lives of our people.
 
‘'Police play an important role in terms of litigation so if the investigation is inaccurate, then perpetrators  are likely to be  set free so you need to advise and do thorough  investigation  as perpetrators are punished in courts of law'' Kaducu said.
 
 She noted that fighting sexual and gender-based Violence is everybody's responsibility and government is committed to supporting solutions to SGBV.
 
She added that on issues of Police giving out emergency contraceptive, the ministry will make research to find whether the modal works.
 
South Sudan Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen. Majak Akech Malik applauded Uganda's President Museveni for his effort in promoting peace in the region. However, he said it was hard to fight SGBV because of war.
 
Why the collaboration on SGBV
 
According to Byamukama It is estimated that 60% of cases on rape are registered in the court but due to lack of enough evidence perpetrators are released and left to merge back to society.
 
 ‘'In order  to curb the problem , we are going to  train  Plice , medical officers ,  judicial,  social workers ,  journalists  and other group of professionals on how to  handle rape cases,  both victim and culprit.
 
This will help in curbing the problem of SGBV because 40% of the rape victims get pregnant'' Byamukama explained.
 
Facts about SGBV
 
According to Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2016,   22% of women aged 15 to 49 in the country had experienced some form of sexual violence.
 
The report also revealed that annually, 13% of women aged 15 to 49 reported experiencing sexual violence and more than 1 million women are exposed to sexual violence every year in Uganda.
 
According to the Uganda Police Force's annual crime report, gender-based violence cases that were reported and investigated increased by 4% (from 38,651 to 40,258 cases) between 2015 and 2016.
 
Polly Namaye, deputy spokesperson Uganda Police Force said SGBV has hindered growth in many families including school dropout for the girl child as they cannot manage to concentrate amidst chaos in their homes.
 
 

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