Published on 08/12/2023
The State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, has issued a compelling call to action against the pervasive issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Uganda.
Speaking at an event organized by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Minister Kyofatogabye underscored the critical role of empowered individuals in creating safer societies.
“Empowerment must start at home,” Minister Kyofatogabye emphasized, stressing the need for economic empowerment of both women and men.
He acknowledged the significance of supporting the boy child as a means to safeguard the girl child, aligning with the theme of this year’s activism: “UNITE! Invest to prevent and respond to Violence against women and girls.”
Kyofatogabye joined survivors of GBV in a dance, symbolizing unity in the face of adversity.
The event, organized by the Directorate of Gender, Community Services, and Production in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Health and Environment, aimed to raise awareness and initiate vital conversations surrounding GBV in the region.
Kyofatogabye expressed gratitude to KCCA for commemorating the day and shedding light on the clear manifestations of GBV as indicative of underlying issues within households.
He emphasized that a staggering 90% of GBV perpetrators are men, calling for increased emphasis on nurturing the boy child to create a more balanced approach to gender empowerment.
“Families are the pillars of the nation,” Minister Kyofatogabye asserted. “If we are talking about GBV, we must respect each other. We must emphasize humanity and treat each other with dignity.”
Eng David Luyimbazi, the Deputy Executive Director, underscored the importance of empowering both women and men in society.
Dr. Sarah Zalwango, addressing the gathering, highlighted the prevalence of GBV, revealing the alarming statistics that one in three girls experiences it.
Dr. Zalwango announced the development of apps to respond to GBV incidents, calling on everyone to support the cause.
KCCA’s commitment to tackling GBV was further emphasized by Peter Lwanga Mayanja, responsible for child affairs. He labeled GBV as a pandemic requiring serious attention, outlining KCCA’s initiatives, including PreP services, medication, safer cities, and the deployment of probation officers.
Mayanja also addressed challenges such as alcoholism and the exploitation of children for begging, revealing the distressing reality that young girls are being defiled every day. He called for collective action to support women affected by GBV and urged that GBV cases be handled in court chambers rather than open places.
The event served as a rallying point for the community, reinforcing the urgency of collective action in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
