Joyce Namugambe
As the world observes the 16 Days of Gender Activism, Church of Uganda joined hands with the global community to acknowledge that Gender-based violence is a widespread issue, a silent pandemic that requires all of us to work together to end it.
The commemoration which included; a gender walk in the slum areas, sensitization on GBV and a press conference which took place in Kasanvu village, Kanyogoga zone, Kisugu Parish, Makindye Division, Kampala City, under the theme, “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”
This period of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a key international moment to call for an end to violence against women and girls. It runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th December, Human Rights Day.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu in a message read for him by Rt Rev Dr Hannington Mutebi, the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, explained why the Church decided to host the commemoration in the slum area.
“Today, we are not in high-end places of this City, but in the resilient streets and homes of this urban slum in Kasanvu village, Kanyogoga zone in Kisugu Parish, Makindye Division, where survival is both a testament and a challenge. In this community, we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “True peace is the presence of justice,” Archbishop Kaziimba noted that, until violence against women is eradicated, the Christian value of justice cannot be realized. He called for respect and promotion of human rights and gender equality.
He called upon faith leaders to use their faith spaces to respond and prevent gender-based violence by denouncing the culture of silence, providing counseling and support to survivors, creating awareness, and working with men and boys as agents of change.
He further urged them to embrace programs that mentor the boy child to be responsible and respect the girl child and also to engage media to promote GBV prevention messages and disseminate research.
Rt Rev James William Ssebaggala, the Caretaker Bishop of Luweero Diocese and Board Chair for the Church of Uganda’s Household and Community Transformation called for vigilance and respect for girls and women.
“Let us be vigilant guardians of our sisters and daughters, for they are bearers of dreams, aspirations, and untapped potential. Our responsibility is not just to speak against injustice, it is to act, to intervene, and to stand against the tide of violence.” Bishop Ssebaggala said.
Hon Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs who was the Chief Guest, commended Church of Uganda for championing the fight against GBV.
“I would like to commend Church of Uganda for this initiative and bringing it to the slum areas here in Kasanvu. I thank you for supporting the government’s efforts to prevent gender-based violence.” Hon Kabanda said.
Luweero District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon Brenda Nabukenya expressed displeasure over Police’s denial of social justice to many Ugandans who report cases of sexual abuse and GBV but are silenced over corruption.
She pledged to contact her fellow members of Parliament under Uganda Women Parliamentarians Association (UWOPA) and male counterparts to rally behind her to lobby for budget increase for Police’s Directorate in charge of gender and family protection.
The Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev Canon William Ongeng called for fostering a culture of respect, empathy, solidarity and support of survivors, offering a pathway to healing and empowerment.
Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Director of Household and Community Transformation noted that the Church of Uganda has lined up a number of activities during the 16 days of activism including outreaches, media campaigns and advocacy for gender and social justice.
Ms. Irene Anena the ACT Alliance Country Coordinator who spoke on behalf of Church of Uganda’s partners pledged support to Church of Uganda in its efforts to advocate for a violence free world.
”I call upon all our partners to support our efforts to prevent violence against women and girls. Let’s break the silence and speak out. I urge authorities to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.” Ms. Anena said.
The Provincial Mothers Union President, Mrs Grace Murengyezi, representatives from Uganda Police Force, partners from Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau (UPMB), Centre for Faith and Family Justice, Lutheran World Federation (LWF), among others participated in the commemoration
