Published on 27/11/2024
Anita Among, Speaker of Parliament, has rebuked Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde for using offensive language to insult Frances Abodo, Director of Public Prosecutions.
Ssemakadde’s crude remarks, which targeted Abodo’s personal dignity, sparked public outrage. Among condemned the comments as disrespectful and unbecoming of a legal professional. The incident has ignited widespread condemnation from various quarters. Ssemakadde’s actions have raised serious concerns about the standards of conduct within Uganda’s legal community.
During a plenary session, Faith Nakut (Napak District Woman Representative) called on Parliament to denounce Ssemakade’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of respect for women. Nakut argued that such behavior undermines Parliament’s commitment to ending gender-based violence, particularly during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“We ought to respect each other. The women being abused today could be your mother, wife, daughter, or mother-in-law. Abusing a woman’s private parts is unacceptable, especially when directed at someone of a high caliber like the DPP,” said Speaker Among. She also questioned the societal implications of such language, adding, “Would you want your children to hear this?”
However, Among declined to lead Parliament in condemning Ssemakade’s comments directly, arguing that the Uganda Law Society, established under an Act of Parliament, is better positioned to address the issue.
Nakut elaborated on Ssemakadde’s remarks, which included ethnic slurs and comparisons, stating, “He described the DPP using her genitalia and referred to her ethnicity. Parliament must take a stand to ensure such practices don’t become normalized.” Despite her plea, some MPs dismissed the matter as unsubstantiated rumors, noting that no evidence, such as audio or video recordings, had been shared with Parliament.
The discussion coincided with Parliament’s commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Evelyn Chemutai (Bukwo District Woman Representative) cited alarming statistics from the 2023 Police Annual Crime Report, which revealed that 15,184 cases of domestic violence were reported, with 10,792 victims being women. Additionally, 249 people were killed due to aggravated domestic violence.
“Women continue to face maiming, sexual abuse, and denial of property rights, particularly widows. Intimate partner violence, often a precursor to femicide, remains alarmingly high at 45%,” Chemutai stated.
Brandon Kintu (Kagoma North) stressed the need for actionable measures beyond discussions, saying, “Instead of focusing on workshops, let’s implement solutions and empower gender-focused sectors to end domestic violence.”
Brenda Nabukenya (Luwero District Woman Representative), Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), outlined the goals of the activism campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, 2024. Under the theme “Recommitment, Accountability, and Resources,” the campaign seeks to reflect on Uganda’s progress and address persistent challenges in ensuring the safety and dignity of women and girls.
Omega Aloyo, Communication Officer at FIDA Uganda, highlighted systemic issues hindering justice for survivors of gender-based violence. “In 2023, 14,681 domestic violence cases were reported, yet only 152 reached court. Delays and inefficiencies in the justice system contribute to impunity,” Aloyo said. She also pointed out the need to address harmful cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequality and violence.
Ann Nassamula, Programs Officer at the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP), urged Ugandans to take individual and collective action to combat domestic violence. “Speak out against violence and support survivors in your communities. Let us all take the initiative to learn and act,” Nassamula said.
