The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Ugandan University students have been given tips on how to fight and stay clear of sexual violence.
“Don’t participate in sexual violence. Stand up against strangers and perpetrators of sexual violence; we need to trust and support people who speak out or feel harassed,” said Angella Asiimwe, a legal officer at FIDA Uganda, at the Fresher’s Camp 2018 October 27.
The Freshers Camp which attracted over 150 students from various universities at Makerere, was one of several activities held to commemorate the 4th National Women’s Week organised by Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) from Oct.19-27.
Angella Asiimwe, who also works at NGO Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), was one of several speakers who challenged the students to be bold and to participate in campaigns against sexual violence. “We are sensitising you to sensitise others. United women can…so let us cross barriers, build bridges and unleash power.”
Participants explained and shared experiences on how sexual violence was an impediment to students’ performance and attaining future goals. They agreed that the vice was a barrier to socio-economic transformation.
Asiimwe urged students to read about the national and international instruments that Uganda has signed.
She listed the UN Convention on the elimination of all forms of violence against women (CEDAW), 1985; The Convention against torture, 1986; the two UN security council resolutions, 1325 and 1820 – these protect women from sexual abuse in times of armed conflict; the convention on the rights of the child (UN CRC) signed by Uganda in 1990 – this urges states to protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. The others are the Penal Code Act, domestic violence act CAP 249 and the 1995 Constitution of the republic of Uganda among others.
Asiimwe urged government to expedite the process of making law the Sexual Offenses Bill 2015 so it can be used as a tool to fight sexual violence.
Josaphat Byamugisha, from the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Makerere University, urged the students to distance themselves from all forms of sexual violence that might jeopardize their quest for a better education and healthy life.
