Ugandans facing Gender Based Violence, GBV have been urged to seek help and support from Local Councils or community workers in their respective areas.
The call was made by Hon. Peace Mutuuzo the minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, while speaking to the media about the standard operating procedures for the prevention and response to the gender based violence, and family and cultural activities during the CoronaVirus/COVID19 pandemic in Uganda.
The minister told members of the press on Tuesday morning, that they have received reports of men turning against their wives and attempting to throw them out of their homes along with their children.
She added that they have received horrifying cases of men beating their wives as well as pregnant women who have been tortured by security officers while trying to seek medical attention.
Hon. Mutuuzo advised that communities should identify victims of GBV, engage and advise them to seek help from authorities.
“All community members are implored to be on the lookout for early warning signs of GBV within their societies. Once cases have been identified, immediately engage the victim/survivor in discussions about their situation. We need to advise anyone experiencing GBV to seek help and support from Local Councils or community workers in your respective communities” the minister said.
Local leaders shall the report the case to the nearest police station. Also, communities are advised not to engage in cultural and community practices that promote gender inequality like; forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Partners should try talking to each other and resolve any issues amicably, instead of resorting to violence. Security officers enforcing the lockdown are also advised to facilitate pregnant mothers in accessing hospitals so as to save lives of mothers and their unborn babies.
The ministry has suspended marriage ceremonies such as giving marriage gifts, visiting families and resolving marriage disagreements physically.
Traditional dances of every kind have also been suspended, rituals/cultural rites such as worship rites, rites of passage, kinship ceremonies among others are also suspended. Hon. Mutuuzo further announced that advertisement or any form of promotion of traditional medicine in the name of treatment of COVID-19 is not allowed and such people shall be arrested.
Visits to cultural sites like palaces, coronation anniversaries and other cultural events at the palaces are suspended.
