Masindi district to prioritise GBV in budgeting
MASINDI, December 9, 2024 — In a bid to combat gender-based violence [ GBV ] and other forms of violence against women and girls [VAWG], the Masindi District Local Government has committed to mainstreaming these issues into their work plans and budgeting for more effective intervention and management.
“No departmental budget will be approved without a component addressing GBV-related cases, as these issues affect all sectors. Fortunately, we are currently in the budgeting process,” said Cosmas Byaruhanga, the LCV Chairperson of Masindi, during a strategic engagement and lobby event with women’s rights organisations organised by the Forum for Women in Democracy [FOWODE] at Biija Hotel last Tuesday.
He explained that GBV cases are often rooted in poverty, mindsets, and ignorance, and stressed the need to address these issues at the grassroots level.
“These are primitive actions that we must fight as leaders. We have the legal framework, but enforcement remains a challenge. People should stop negotiating defilement cases. Men must stop leaving the responsibility solely to children and their mothers,” Byaruhanga added, urging leaders and technocrats to take a leading role in sensitisation.
Annette Karamagi, the Probation and Welfare Officer for Masindi district, reported a significant decline in GBV cases following intensified sensitisation campaigns. Last financial year, 1,265 GBV cases were recorded, but so far this year, only 92 cases have been reported.
“There has been a significant drop in the number of cases, which is largely due to the sensitisation efforts, including radio talk shows and community meetings,” she said.
However, Karamagi also highlighted the challenges posed by victims’ reluctance to report cases, often due to fear of stigma, which can undermine the gathering of evidence. “Men have also fallen victim to GBV, but they often do not report it, which is a major challenge,” she added.
Zebbi Kageye Baitwaki, the Councillor representing elderly persons in Masindi District Council, raised concerns about the elderly, who are also suffering from various forms of GBV but often receive little attention.
“The elderly also need justice when it comes to GBV, as they are human beings too,” she said.
Mourine Kyomuhendo, Programmes Officer at FOWODE, shared findings from a “Budgeting for Peace” study commissioned by the organisation in Masindi and Lyantonde. The study revealed that Shs 476 billion is privately spent by individuals and households to address GBV-related issues.
“On a national level, the study further revealed that Ugandan households lose about 15.5 percent of the country’s GDP in dealing with the aftermath of GBV. Given these findings, we believe it is crucial to base future engagement with stakeholders, especially civil society—on this cost-benefit analysis, which highlights the need for better funding and implementation of initiatives aimed at preventing, mitigating, and managing GBV,” Kyomuhendo said.
She also noted that for the past three years, several community activities have been conducted to raise awareness, promote women’s rights, support the inclusion of people with disabilities, prevent sexual and gender-based violence, and encourage women’s participation in leadership.
https://thecooperator.news/gbv-crippling-poverty-eradication-efforts-in-acholi/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 1