By Spy Uganda
The Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, Judith Nabakooba, who is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District, has called upon all men in Uganda to fight domestic violence against women.
Minister Nabakooba’s remarks comes at a time when police reports indicate that cases of violence against women and the girl child have skyrocketed during the COVID-19 lockdown, especially because men spend more time at home than previously, according to research.
Nabakooba raised her concern via a social media post thus; “Violence against women is a men’s issue because it is men’s wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends whose lives are limited by violence & abuse.
It’s a men’s issue because, as community leaders & decision makers, men can play a key role in helping stop violence against women”.
She added that “The loss of life or any form of injury as a result of domestic violence is regrettable & unacceptable. Therefore men play a significant role in promoting or preventing violence in their homes & communities. Men can speak out & step in when male friends & relatives attack women. This involves men critically looking at their own lives & behavior, putting their house in order, taking responsibility for violent behavior, attitudes and striving to build respectful relations with the women.”
It should be noted that in April, the Ministry of gender, labour and social development issued a stern warning to perpetrators of domestic violence against women and children during the COVID-19 period.
Frank Tumwebaze, minister of gender, labour and social development, told the media that there has been an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) as the country is under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Some of these cases have already claimed lives of Ugandans even before COVID-19 does so,” Tumwebaze said, noting that between March 30 and April 28, a total of 3,280 cases of GBV were reported to police.
This is in addition to 283 cases of Violence Against Children, according to the ministry. Tumwebaze said those found guilty would face the law.
“These acts of violence degrade the dignity of humanity and are therefore unacceptable. The perpetrators of this vice must be dealt with decisively and in a timely manner in accordance with the law,” the Minister said.
He urged law enforcement agencies like the police to act tough against GBV.
