Media

KAMPALA, Uganda – In Uganda, domestic violence is partly driven by some unsupportive traditional beliefs and norms that unfortunately normalise the abuse. Some cultures tolerate violence and associate violence with exhibition of affection. Society’s acceptance of men’s abusive use of power over women – even when it involves physical injuries while considering the acts as private matter and therefore never reported – also adds to the continued spread of this menace. Uganda Network on Law, Ethics and HIV/AIDS (UGANET) notes that since domestic violence is often condoned by society, the... Read More

KAMPALA, Uganda – Over the course of this year, teenage pregnancies have increased tremendously, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. In the Northern region, the statistics are even more alarming. “Teenage pregnancy in Lira district increased to 35.2% in 2019/2020,” said Dr. Achaka Edmond, Assistant District Health Officer, Lira District, at a recently held cultural leaders’ meeting in Lira city.  This percentage is even higher than the already high 25% overall average of Uganda, which is the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda Network on Law, Ethics and... Read More

KAMPALA, Uganda – The UNHCR defines Gender based violence GBV as, any act that perpetrated against a person’s will and is based on gender norms and unequal power relationships. Countries, Uganda inclusive have for decades battled against this monster that is still crippling thousands of women and girls. Indeed, GBV remains one of the biggest vices that not only affects the victims’ development but also has effects on the countries’ development in general. Many have experienced violence in various forms even before the Coronavirus pandemic hit the world. But now,... Read More

KAMPALA, Uganda – In just one month after lockdown (March 30, 2020 to April 28, 2020), an estimated 3,280 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were reported across the country. By the end of May, 5538 cases had been reported to the Police, Sauti toll-free line and gender ministry database. The lockdown imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 will stand out as having exposed the deep-rooted gender inequality concealed in society. A huge population of about 3,000 girls, equivalent to about two universities of girls have been molested, forcefully married... Read More