GBV on a raise in Sheema, residents skilled

SHEEMA- At least four cases of Gender based violence (GBV) are registered every week in the sub-county of Kangyenyi in sheema district, according to Madina Ampaire, the Community Development Officer for Kyangyenyi Sub-County.

Ampaire said that 75% of GBV cases are reported quarterly every financial year, and these emanate from high poverty levels and land conflicts.

"In most cases, men sell off family land without the consent of their wives and children, in the process wrangles erupt and children drop out schools. This has been on the raise mostly during the lockdown," said Ampaire.

Ampaire revealed this during a two days training organized by Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) which took place at Masyoro Secondary school in Kyangyenyi Sub County.

 She however revealed that as the sub county, they have devised a strategy of bringing in various NGOs on board to effect inclusive trainings and workshops in a bid to reduce the vice.

"We are thankful to FOWODE and other organizations for the trainings, which we believe have benefited residents," she added.

 Doroviko Bwiho aged 70 years, a resident of Karweshereka village in Masyo said that his family has been embroiled in endless fights because of his drinking habit.

He said that he had heard about trainings in family related issues but had not taken much interest to attend.

"I used to hear workshop involving men and women but I had not taken much interest but this time around I said I will attend and am sure the knowledge I have acquired will help to settle my family"

Bwiho promised to sit down with his family on around table and find a lasting solution for his mistakes and probably to stop drinking alcohol.

Sylvia Nankwasa the field officer for FOWODE in Sheema district told New Vision that they have initiated these trainings as pilot projects in the two sub counties of Kyangyenyi and Rugarama, as an effort to wipe out gender based violence.

"Before we started these trainings, we first carried out a study in Sheema district and found out that Kyangyenyi and Rugaraama sub counties are the leading in GBV cases.

That's why we embarked on these workshops to transform these villages," Nankwasa said.

She added, "We also empower women to be able to transform their families economically and support their husbands,"