HOIMA, UGANDA: Cultural practices and Tribalism have been blamed for the increasing cases of sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Hoima District.
Cobra Katusabe the chairperson of Women champions under the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) says many girls and women in Kigorobya and Kyabigambire Sub counties in Hoima District have faced these challenges especially when it comes to GBV that include incest rape, and defilement but they fear to report such cases. “There are some cases whereby the perpetrators threaten the victims of cultural norms and beliefs that they could not get legal support from authorities”. Said Katusabe.
She made the remarks while launching the 16 days of activism against SGBV organized by CEHURD and Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) at Kyabigambire church of Uganda Primary school under the theme “Orange the world in Violence against women now”.
“Ignorance of communities on relevant policies on their welfare has also increased SGBV in Hoima District”. Katusabe added.
Amstrong Allan Katunda from RHU Hoima expressed dismay over the increased rape cases in the communities saying many survivors of rape fail to access justice from legal authorities, while others the perpetrators negotiate with the families of the victims and sort out the matters without authorities involvement.
Dr. Lawrence Tumusiime the Hoima DHO noted that culture and fear for the case of men also affect the victims who want to seek justice against SGBV.
Judith Nakalembe, the GBV specialist at CEHURD says there’s much need for government of Uganda to reconstruct rehabilitation shelters for SGBV survivors in Uganda especially in Bunyoro Region where SGBV cases stand at 80%.
The 16 days of activism against GBV is an annual international campaign that kicks off on the 25th of November and runs up to 10th December on Human Rights day.
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