Don't lose life over elections - Justice Ogoola

"What we are witnessing now is an aspect of paying a price for the liberty that this country deserves. The political violence going on is very regrettable. But we call on everybody to be sensitive with the idea of losing life for a political vote," explained Ogoola.

On November 18, over 54 people lost lives after they were hit by stray bullets during riots sparked by arrests of presidential candidates Robert Kyagulanyi and Patrick Oboi Amuriat.

He made the remarks during a three-day capacity building training workshop for judicial officers about gender-based violence at Colline Hotel in Mukono on Wednesday.

The workshop which attracted magistrates and prosecutors from the five districts of Lira, Alebtong, Tororo, Kamuli, and Buyende was held under the theme Orange Your World: Fund, Prevent, Respond and Collect to End Gender-Based Violence.

The training aimed at strengthening prevention, protection, and response to sexual violence also focused on improving understanding of child protection, sexual reproductive health and rights, and case management.

According to Ogoola, it does not make sense to lose a life because of an election. Instead, an election should be a celebration of people making a choice of the government that will lead them to prosperity, peace, and happiness.

While addressing judicial officers, Ogoola asked everyone to observe a moment of silence to honour Ugandans who lost lives during the recent riots.

"I pray for divine intervention to stop this insanity so that we can restore the ideal of our National Anthem. I also pray to everybody that an intervention is made to stop these insanities. Elections are meant to be fair, peaceful, and credible," Ogoola said.

On the issue of gender-based violence, Ogoola called upon the Justice Law and Order Sector to allocate specific funds to implement the Domestic Violence Act and other violence against women's responsive laws.

"Report cases of violence against children happening in your community to the Police, local council, or probation office. You should also reach out and support girls and women experiencing violence to enhance their safety and wellbeing," emphasised Ogoola.

In addition, Ogoola also advised religious leaders and cultural leaders to speak out against norms and practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

According to the Uganda Police Force's criminal investigations directorate, a total of 10,280 cases of gender-based violence were reported between January and April. 46.8% are cases of domestic violence, 43.2% are cases of defilement and 5.6% are cases of rape.

Uganda has also registered 161 cases of murder resulting from domestic violence

Since survivors of gender-based violence cases present different challenges, George Bigira, the resident state attorney of Tororo Court said the training has enabled judicial officers to acquire skills on trauma-informed approach. This will help them to understand how to deal with such situations.

Kansiime Kasiano, program area manager for Plan International Uganda said: "After training, we hope to see increased access to justice by the young people, the improved response rate to the cases of sexual abuse as well as holistic gender transformation within the judicial sector."