The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | The Minister for Gender, Youth, and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has urged the courts to expedite the hearing of rape and defilement cases.
Barugahara was speaking to the media as part of the celebrations to mark the International Day of the Girl Child under the theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”.
The day is aimed at highlighting the needs and challenges girls face while promoting girls’ empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights.
He said that defilement and rape have deprived the girls of a right to education, therefore prosecution of offenders should be prioritized.
He said that it’s important to use the International Day of the Girl Child to highlight obligations and opportunities to end gender-based violence.
Barugahara reiterated the government’s commitment to improving access to education, healthcare, and community empowerment programs. He cited key initiatives such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
He also asked judicial officers not to push to give bail to suspects in gender-based violence cases.
“The way the government deals with offenders of this calibre has to change. It must be clear that if someone rapes or defiles a girl, this is how the government will respond. Bail should be denied.”
Barugahara called for collective action from parents, communities, religious leaders, civil society, and the private sector to address issues affecting girls.
Representing civil society, Phoebe Kasoga, the Country Director of Plan International Uganda, highlighted the significance of the day, drawing attention to the persistent barriers girls face, including gender-based violence and limited access to education, both of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Girls with a clear vision for their future are more likely to overcome these challenges and become leaders in their communities,” Kasoga noted.
Kasoga urged the government to work closely with civil society to ensure the safe and meaningful participation of girls in Uganda’s development.
Recent data reveals that 40% of girls are married before the age of 18, and only 53% of girls aged 6-12 complete primary education.
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