Youth call for expediting of the Sexual Offences Bill

Aug 10, 2018

Uganda has ratified and domesticated instruments that prohibit violence, and provides for full dignity of women

PIC: State minister for youth and children affairs interacts with the youth leaders after the National Youth Parliament session. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

The youth have asked the government to expedite the Sexual Offenses Bill to protect them from sexual harassment at workplaces, schools and universities.

They made the request during the ‘Youth Moot Parliamentary Session 2018' themed Safe Spaces for Youth at Parliament ahead of the International Youth Day that will be commemorated on August 12.

The youth decried the high unemployment levels that make them desperate thus exposing them to sexual harassment by potential employers and those in authority at schools and in universities.

In her submission, Irene Kagoya from Plan International noted that Uganda has ratified and domesticated instruments that prohibit violence, and provides for full dignity of women.


 "However, sexual violence continues to thrive in Uganda, with 22% of women aged 15-49 experiencing some form of sexual violence in Uganda, and violence against children in Uganda affects one in three children in the country," she explained, adding that income inequality should be addressed as it is the main cause of violence.

Speaker pf Parliament Rebecca Kadaga said she is going to direct the parliament education committee to investigate sexual abuse allegations in schools and universities, adding that their (youth parliament) report will guide the house on how to help the government fight this vice.

National Youth parliament session in the parliament chambers ahead of the International Youth Day. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Obed Kambasu, the programs manager at Restless Development, said the youth have been excluded because employers ask for experience which is not taught in school.

He also pointed out that youth have no securities; land tittles that financial institutions require to issue loans, citing high cost of starting and doing business amidst high unemployment.

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