Gulu leaders, CSOs renew fight against GBV

GBV | GULU DISTRICT

Gulu district local government, NGOs and Civil society organizationS have made an equivocal declaration to renew the fight against Gender based violence (GBV).

The declaration was made last week during a district engagement meeting on 16 days of activism against GBV at the health DHO boardroom.

The partners committed themselves to, among other things, conduct awareness on HIV/AIDS in villages, schools and in public gatherings, provide psychosocial support and build reporting pathways to GBV.

They included UN-Human Rights, Action Aid, Gulu district Local government, Acholi Cultural Institution and the media.

Peter Onen Okwera, the Gulu district speaker, signed on behalf of the district.
He said they are committed to work with all partners to address GBV.  "We cannot do much without partners," he said in a statement.

Retired Bishop of Kitgum Diocese Mcleoard Baker Ochola II, who also attended the meeting, said lack of disclosure was a major problem hindering the fight against HIV. He said it often results in GBV.  

Statistics from the probation and welfare department of the district indicates that in the last one year, 1, 240 cases of child abuse were recorded, forced marriages (939), rape (93) and sexual assault (1,089).