Published on 12/06/2024
The Tororo District Women Representative Sarah Opendi has proposed a six-month deadline for courts to resolve domestic violence cases, citing that delays in justice have contributed to the prevalence of domestic violence in Uganda.
“We are aware that some cases take forever in court. We propose an amendment to the Sexual Offences Bill and the Domestic Violence Act to include a period within which cases must be resolved, ideally within six months,” Opendi stated. She also suggested that the Judiciary create a specialized division to handle these cases.
Opendi made her proposal during a training session for MPs organized by the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) at Fairway Hotel in Kampala. The session focused on strengthening provisions in the Marriage Bill, which is set to be tabled before Parliament.
The call for a timeframe comes in light of the 2023 Annual Crime Report by Uganda Police, which reported a decline in domestic violence cases, from 17,698 in 2022 to 14,681 in 2023, a 17% decrease. However, the report highlighted low prosecution rates: only 1,520 cases were taken to court, with 423 convictions, 25 acquittals, 183 dismissals, and 889 cases still pending.
Addressing Cultural Practices and Dowry
Margaret Aleper (Kotido DWR) called for the reevaluation of cultural practices like dowry payments. In regions like Karamoja, families still demand up to 100 heads of cattle as bride price, which Aleper argues reduces women to property.
“There are many cultures that still demand high dowries. This needs to change. Dowry should be a token of appreciation, not a transaction that makes women feel like property,” Aleper said.
Agnes Apea (Amolatar DWR) emphasized the negative impact of bride price on women’s rights. “In our culture, once a bride price is paid, women lose control over their bodies and finances. We need legislation that challenges these norms and raises awareness,” Apea added.
Gender Inequality and Stigma
Apea also highlighted the gender inequality and stigma surrounding marriages and divorces, particularly for female MPs and politicians. She pointed out that female politicians often stay in unhappy marriages to avoid criticism and losing votes due to their marital status.
“A colleague mentioned that leaving your husband as an MP could end your career. We need laws that protect women’s rights and reduce the stigma around divorce,” Apea urged.
Legislative Efforts for Marriage Reform
In July 2022, Parliament granted Sarah Opendi leave to introduce the Private Member’s Bill entitled “The Marriage Bill, 2022.” Opendi argued that the existing Marriage Act, enacted nearly 120 years ago, is outdated and needs to be aligned with the Constitution, government policies, and international best practices.
“The laws regulating different types of marriage in Uganda have become obsolete. The Marriage Bill seeks to provide comprehensive legislation on marriage, considering the evolving legal and social landscape,” Opendi defended.
The proposed amendments and legislative efforts aim to ensure timely justice for domestic violence cases, address cultural practices contributing to gender inequality, and update marriage laws to reflect modern standards.
