By Lucky Patrick
In a recently released 2023 annual police crime report in Uganda, sexual offenses, particularly defilement, continue to pose a significant challenge for law enforcement as the report exposes a grim reality, with 13,144 juveniles falling victim to defilement in 2023, including 383 by individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Of the victims, 97 were defiled by parents, 90 by guardians, and 211 by teachers. Disturbingly, 131 defilement victims had disabilities and the majority of the victims were aged 15-17 years from rural areas and were defiled during domestic chores.
Within the cases taken to court, 940 secured convictions, 38 were acquitted, 414 were dismissed, and a staggering 4,172 are pending. The report further reveals that 5,671 defilement suspects were arrested and charged, with 982 convictions, 56 acquittals, 400 discharges, and 4,233 awaiting trial.
Ms Elizabeth Ampairwe, Director of Programs at the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), attributes the persistence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) to a culture of silence and community acceptance.
She stresses the need for increased community awareness and resource allocation, advocating for a comprehensive approach that not only establishes laws but ensures their practical enforcement.
Ms Jenifer Kahumuza, coordinator of Joy for Children in the Rwenzori sub-region, emphasizes the need for a multi-spectral approach involving all stakeholders saying some young girls are frequently defiled by school teachers, neighbors, and in some horrifying cases, their uncles, fathers, and older brothers.
She says the parenting gap, advocating for programs like Parenting for Respectability to tackle issues contributing to GBV. Empowering girls with life skills and police training to recognize and handle defilement cases promptly are crucial components of her proposed solution.
Ms Betty Mujungu, Deputy Mayor Fort portal City Council, expressed deep concern over the escalating cases of SGBV and called for a strengthening of justice systems, emphasizing the importance of ensuring reported cases make it to court and that perpetrators face consequences.
Ms Mujungu also challenges harmful perceptions attached to girls and women in the region, debunking myths and stereotypes.
