Bukedi region tops intimate partner violence with a 48 percentage

The Minister of Gender, BettyAmongi, has cited Bukedi region as being the lead region with the highest intimate partner violence at 48%.

The Minister who was presenting a statement in parliament to commemorate the 16 days of the Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence, noted that despite the region leading in GBV, there has been an increase in public awareness on gender-based violence as a human right, public health, economic and social issue at the family, community and national levels.

She notified parliament that Bukedi is followed by Acholi at 47% and Elgon at 33%, while South Buganda registered the lowest rate at 8%.

“This global campaign was inaugurated in 1991 and spearheaded by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute (WGLI), a program at the Rutgers University in New Jersey USA which trains women in leadership based on global good and practice,” she said.

According to Amongi the campaign has since grown globally and is marked with a wide range of activities organized by various stakeholders.

To address gender-based violence, Hon Anthony Akol from Kilak North, proposed that Gov’t first deals with the issue of poverty and access to education, whereas Hon Jonathan Ebwalu from Soroti West called for a special fund for rural women.

Meanhwile Hon Medard Sseggona, who was representing the Leader of Opposition, called upon Police to allow them organize and participate in activities against gender-based violence in their constituencies.

“My concern is that when we take up this mantle of organizing functions, we are likely to be met with brute & violence yet this is a national concern that assures us of the best way of stabilizing our country. You cannot have a stable country without stable homes,” he noted.

Members of parliament now want the 16 days of Activism Campaign, launched in a village setting where gender-based violence is rampant.