CSOs condemn mishandling of defilement case, mob justice against victim’s mother

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have condemned the handling of a defilement case involving a 14-year-old girl and the subsequent mob justice directed at her mother, Hajjat Zuurah.

The Islamic Women’s Initiative for Justice, Law and Peace, Women’s Probono Initiative, Center for Domestic Violence Prevention, and UGANET expressed grave concern over public officials’ actions in the case.

Highlighting the broader issues of gender-based violence and defilement in Uganda, the CSOs cited alarming statistics from the Uganda Police Force, which reported a 34% rise in defilement cases—from 13,118 in 2015 to 17,567 in 2016—emphasizing the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent and address such crimes.

During a statement read by Ms. Mwanga Mastullah Ashah of the Islamic Women’s Initiative for Justice, the CSOs criticized high-profile public figures, including ministers, members of parliament, and a presidential advisor, for victim-blaming and inciting mob action against Hajjat Zuurah.

The CSOs argued that rather than supporting a fair and impartial investigation, these officials’ actions exposed the family to public outrage, compromising both safety and dignity.

“This approach to a sensitive and serious issue is wholly inappropriate and compromises the privacy, safety, and dignity of both the victim and her family. Instead of offering support and advocating for a swift, impartial investigation, these public figures have endangered the mother by making her a target of public outrage, ultimately undermining the very justice she seeks,” Ashah stated.

The CSOs called for:

1. Public officials to handle such cases with caution and respect for due process.
2. Community leaders to discourage vigilantism and threats.
3. Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation while ensuring Hajjat Zuurah’s safety.
4. The judiciary to enhance security measures during court proceedings.
5. Parliamentarians and public figures to establish safe reporting channels.
6. Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to avoid statements that blame victims.

They urged that trauma-informed practices, confidentiality, and accountability be upheld throughout the justice process. The CSOs further appealed for calm, advocating for cooperation between the government and civil society to tackle Uganda’s challenges in securing justice and protecting human rights.