LETS END GBV! Minister Mutuuzo call for corrective responsibility to end violence in families

By Evans Najuna

KABALE – The State Minister for Gender Labour and Social Development in charge of Gender and Culture, Hon. Legis Peace Mutuuzo has called for corrective responsibility in bid to whip out Gender based and domestic violence in families. The minister made the remarks while officiating as the guest of honour during the belated Women’s Day celebrations organised by Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Catherine Atwakire Ndamira, which were held over the weekend at Rubaya playground in Kahungye Sub-county, Kabale District.

Mutuuzo revealed that the rate of Domestic violence in Kabale District now stands at 57% which she attributed to failure by men and women to fulfill their responsibilities and decay of civilization morals by people. The minister explained that the report indicates that some domestic violence cases are as a result of men wanting to deprive women from their empowerment achievements. She added that this has increased the percentage of inmates on Gender based violence, adding that, apparently 89% of female inmates in Uganda are battling domestic violence related cases.

Relatedly, Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Caherine Atwakiire Ndamira, while addressing the same gathering, said that men should instead cooperate with their spouses by identifying projects that can deprive them from poverty. She added that once they work together, this would bring development in the community.

At the same event, there were also other demands from district leaders especially in requesting the government to increase Uganda Women Empowerment (UWEP) Fund which dominated the day’s celebrations. They pointed out that despite the government supporting Women with UWEP funds, the money is very little considering the current level of poverty among people who would wish to have capital to start businesses. Adding that since they started receiving UWEP funds in 2018 up to now, they have so far received 880,589,782 shillings that has benefited 161 women groups with 1,610 individual women leaving out several other groups not benefiting.

The Kabale district LC5 Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija also noted that, considering the population of over 118,050 females in the district government should give the district a special consideration and increase the funds if it is to improve the wellbeing of women at the local level.

Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, also expressed her disappointment saying that despite several lobbying from the government to increase the funds, the budget cuts remains the problem yet the women who are the foundation of the family in development would want more seed capital.

In response, Minister for (Gender and Culture) Peace Legis Mutuuzo said that the women should utilize the little funds appropriately to improve their livelihoods since there are other programs of government that would support them like Parish Development Model funds.

The Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) is an initiative of the Government of Uganda that is aimed at improving access to financial services for women and equipping them with skills for enterprise growth, value addition and marketing of their products and services.

The event was attended by many people from Kabale district, local leaders and other legislators from different parts of the country including; Hon. Katwesigye Olive, woman MP Buhweju; Hon. Kemirembe Pauline, Kyaka; Woman MP Lyantonde, Hon. Agaba Aisa Black; Woman MP Bugangaizi East, Kakumiro District; Hon. Pascal Mbabazi MP Buwekula County in Mubende District; Hon. Katusime Annette Mugisha, Woman MP Bushenyi; Hon Bashija Agasha Juliet Woman MP Mitooma District; Hon. Ayebale Margret Rwebyambu, woman MP Mbarara District; Hon. Katarihwa Donald, MP Mwenge South, Kyenjojo district; Hon. Min Sarah Mateke – Minister for Youths, Woman MP Kisoro District; Hon. Minister David Bahati, state minister of trade and Industry and MP Ndorwa West constituency and Hon. Baata Kamateneti, Woman MP Ntungamo among others.

At the same event female MPs thanked Mr. Didas Ndamira, the husband to the Hon. Catherine Atwakiire for helping his wife and being there for her.

Our reporter was there and here is what transpired in photos.