Youth activists urge gov't to empower LCs in fight against gender-based violence

Youth activists under the Youth Line Forum have called on the government to strengthen the role of Local Councils (LCs) in combating gender-based violence (GBV) across Uganda.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Kampala, Hafashimana Asiimwe, a youth advocate from the Youth Line Forum, emphasised the importance of grassroots efforts in addressing the increasing cases of GBV that continue to devastate communities.

Asiimwe urged the government to empower LCs with resources and training to enhance their capacity to prevent, report, and respond to GBV incidents effectively.

"We need Local Councils to take a leading role in identifying and addressing gender-based violence in their communities. They are closest to the people and can help bridge the gap in accessing justice and support," he said.

Asiimwe also called on young people to leverage social media platforms to expose acts of GBV, arguing that online advocacy can amplify survivors' voices and hold perpetrators accountable.

Ahereza Natasha, another activist with the Youth Line Forum, reflected on their achievements during the recent 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

She highlighted the persistence of GBV in Uganda, describing it as a pressing public health and human rights issue.

Citing alarming statistics, Natasha noted that 95% of women in Uganda have experienced GBV at some point in their lives, according to a national survey.

She also referenced the 2023 Police Crime Report, which recorded 14,681 cases of domestic violence, yet resulted in only 423 convictions.

"Despite the government of Uganda launching the National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan in 2016, this vice continues to prevail," Natasha said.

During the campaign, Youth Line Forum engaged communities both online and offline to raise awareness about GBV.

The organisation reported empowering hundreds of young people with leadership skills to combat GBV and reaching over 1,000 participants with awareness messages.

"By amplifying voices, we have worked to unite people against various forms of gender-based violence, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and child marriages," Natasha said.

She called on the government to take stronger action by fully enforcing existing laws, establishing more safe spaces for survivors, and improving police training to handle cases with sensitivity and urgency. Natasha also emphasised the need for increased funding to support legal aid and rehabilitation services for survivors.

"The time to act is now. Your commitment is crucial to ending GBV in Uganda," Natasha urged, calling on citizens to speak out, support victims, and engage in community initiatives to promote gender equality.

Looking ahead, the Youth Line Forum pledged to expand its programs, strengthen partnerships, and explore new advocacy strategies to sustain the fight against GBV.

"Together, we can create a Uganda where every individual, regardless of gender, can live free from violence, discrimination, and fear,"she said.