Busoga North, (UG): The police in Busoga North policing region have committed themselves to fighting Gender Based Violence (GBV) amidst the challenges surrounding the prosecution of suspects involved in violence against women and girls.
As the policing region joins the global campaign to mark the 16 days of Activism against GBV in collaboration with various stakeholders, Busoga North police spokesperson ASP Micheal Kasadha says out of the cases of GBV reported between January and June this year, only 29% reached courts despite police commitment to ensure justice.
“Despite our pursuit of justice, we encounter challenges, many of which stem from societal actions and inactions. For example, between January and June 2023, Kamuli, Buyende, Luuka and Kaliro reported a total of 245 defilement cases with only 29% (72) reaching the courts,” ASP Kasadha stated.
Kasadha attributed this phenomenon to loss of interest by complainants, extrajudicial negotiations, and lack of evidence due to delayed reporting, among others.
Busoga North reportedly faces a significant challenge regarding violence against women and girls encompassing various forms not limited to sexual assault, physical abuse and economic violence.
“We face a significant challenge regarding violence against women and girls, encompassing various forms such as sexual assault, physical abuse and economic violence. We urge stakeholders to collectively refrain from undermining the processes necessary to achieve satisfactory justice,” ASP Kasadha added.
With this year’s 16 days of activism against GBV’s global theme of; “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”, police say their partnership with civil society organizations, local leadership and other entities is intended to proactively raise awareness about GBV and relentlessly prosecute the perpetrators.
“We partner with civil society organizations, local leadership and other entities to proactively raise awareness about GBV and reactively prosecute perpetrators,” Mr Kasadha assured.
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