LOSCO QUARTERLY HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION ANALYSIS AND KEY EMERGING ISSUES IN KIGEZI 

April 1, 2025

Dear Human Rights Defenders, Actors and Partners in the Promotion and Protection of Human rights;

A Happy New Year!

Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO) wishes to welcome you to the New year and the quarterly review of human rights quarterly situation and analysis hoping that all went on well through the last year as this year of elections brings everyone aboard for the elective participation and accountability, governance and rule of law at play.

LOSCO brings you some of the key highlights from last quarter in the context of human rights, key emerging issues and the environment of human rights defenders in Uganda and appreciates you for taking time off to think through what you can contribute to the promotion and protection of Human Rights, Governance and Rule of Law at the sub national, national and regional level as well as contributing to the Global Human Rights promotion as you reflect on the information shared.

Below are some of the highlighted issues:

KIGEZI SUB-REGIONAL SITUATION:

MINISTER MUSASIZI BACKS BAN ON POLICE BONDS, WARNS CRIMINALS TO COUNT THEIR DAYS

RUBANDA: Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, welcomed President Yoweri Museveni’s directive on the complete cessation of police bond issuance for criminals, describing it as a vital measure to curb criminality and enhance security within communities.

President Museveni explained that the decision was prompted by increasing insecurity, particularly theft and other petty crimes. He argued that the practice of granting police bonds to suspects especially in cases involving theft was exacerbating the problem by enabling alleged criminals to rejoin society before their cases were resolved.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/minister-musasizi-backs-ban-on-police-bonds-warns-criminals-to-count-their-days/

KISORO TEENAGER BEDRIDDEN FOR TWO YEARS, FAMILY SEEKS HELP AFTER SPINAL INJURY

KISORO: A 38-year-old man from Buzeyi Village, Rukongi Parish, Nyarusiza Sub-County in Kisoro District is appealing for financial support to help his 14-year-old son, Manirunva Simon who has been bedridden for two years following a life-altering spinal injury.

Manirunva’s spinal cord got dislocated after being hit by a rolling stone during heavy rains in Nyarusiza Sub-County two years ago.

Both Nvuyekure Godfrey the victim’s father and Champaye Phiona his mother, say their son, Maniruva, the eldest of their five children, has been left paralyzed by the accident. His condition has deteriorated to the point where he cannot move, causing parts of his body, including his buttocks, to develop sores.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/kisoro-teenager-bedridden-for-two-years-family-seeks-help-after-spinal-injury/

 

TOUGH ACTION AGAINST ELECTION VIOLENCE AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS AWAITS

KISORO: The Kisoro District Police Commander (DPC), Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha warned of arrest to anyone attempting to assault, threaten, or harm voters during the upcoming 2026 elections strongly condemning any form of threats or assaults by politicians in their quest for victory.

Niwamanya, issued this warning while addressing the media at his office at Kisoro Police Station headquarters emphasizing that elections are a time for politicians to present their manifestos and campaign peacefully, not to engage in verbal or physical confrontations. He urged Kisoro residents to focus on productive activities to promote personal and community development.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/kisoro-dpc-vows-tough-action-against-election-violence-ahead-of-2026-polls/

 

RUKIGA MAN REMANDED FOR THREATENING POLICE OFFICER, PLEADS FOR FORGIVENESS

KABALE: The Kabale Chief Magistrates Court charged and remanded a 24-year-old man to Ndorwa Government Prison for threatening to kill a Uganda Police officer in Rukiga District.

Kabale Chief Magistrate, His Worship Derrick Byamugisha, heard that on 14^th January 2025, Edmund Agaba, a resident of Rushebeya village, Kitojo Parish, Rwamucucu Sub-county in Rukiga District, threatened to harm ASP John Akankwasa, a police officer attached to the Rukiga District Police Station. The incident occurred in Murujanjara village, where Agaba allegedly acted with intent to intimidate, insult, or annoy the officer noting that Agaba’s actions are in violation of Section 77(1) of the Penal Code Act.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/rukiga-man-remanded-for-threatening-police-officer-pleads-for-forgiveness/

 

KISORO LEADERS CONDEMN CORRUPTION AND BROKEN PROMISES

KISORO: As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepared to commemorate its 39th Liberation Day, leaders from Kisoro District expressed dissatisfaction with the celebrations, accusing the government of failing to address key issues such as corruption where some leaders in Kisoro District criticized the expenses associated with the event, arguing that the funds could be better utilized to address pressing national issues. Baker Niyigaba, the Kisoro District Councilor for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), condemned the government’s failure to tackle corruption and the embezzlement of public funds, which he said has significantly hampered service delivery across the country.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/kisoro-leaders-condemn-corruption-and-broken-promises-as-nrm-marks-39th-liberation-day/

 

A SUSPECT LYNCHED, BODY MUTILATED BY ANGRY CROWD.

KANUNGU: A mob in Kanungu District lynched a 35-year-old man for allegedly robbing UGX 300,000 belonging to a fellow resident. Identified as Joseph according to eyewitnesses trespassed and gained access into the home of one Bajumwa Beatrice and made off with the cash. An alarm was raised hence attracting nearby people who included army officers on guard duties apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the Chairperson LC1 of Kihembe Central Mr. Kazoba Frank but before the police could intervene, the mob overpowered the area Chairperson and forcefully grabbed the suspect, ultimately killing him and later mutilated his body into pieces.

Source: https://westernpearlnews.com/suspected-thief-lynched-body-mutilated-by-angry-crowd/

 

FAMILY MEMBERS FACE MURDER CHARGES OVER LAND DISPUTE

KABALE: Kabale District Police arrested three suspects from the same family in connection with the alleged murder of a 60-year-old man Kawiti Africano after resistance from his family members, who demanded that he retrieve the land or purchase another piece of land to replace it. They resorted to threats and violence and use of force to regain back their land which gave birth to earlier offences of criminal trespass vide Buhara SD 06/07/10/2024 which was still under Investigations.

Source: https://westernpearlnews.com/family-members-face-murder-charges-over-land-dispute/

RUKUNGIRI YOUTH DECRY UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS, URGE GOVERNMENT ACTION

RUKUNGIRI: The youth in Rukungiri District expressed frustration over the lack of employment opportunities, which they say has led to increased depression and drug abuse in the area.

Among those voicing their concerns are Akamumpa Raymond, a resident of Nyakiina Parish in Buyanja Town Council, and Tashobya Nicholas from Rukungiri Municipality. They noted that many educated youths struggle with depression due to unemployment, forcing some to turn to drug abuse.

These concerns were raised during the Boda Boda Cup tournament organized by Mwesigwa Mathias Rwabugumi, a hopeful candidate for the Rubabo County Member of Parliament seat.

The youth urged the government to consider both school dropouts and graduates when creating employment opportunities. They called for the establishment of industries that could absorb both skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/rukungiri-youth-decry-unemployment-crisis-urge-government-action/

 

LEADERS UNITE VOICES AGAINST SECTARIANISM

KABALE - A section of Political and Religious Leaders in Kabale district united their voices to condemn a vice of sectarianism in Kigezi region calling it an “enemy” to good leadership and socio development. They condemned the vice while speaking at different public gatherings. Sectarianism is defined as excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion which leaders’ call for the need for combined efforts to end. This comes at a time where a section of priests from Kabale diocese received criticism from the general Public after releasing lists of intending Political candidates they support and want their church goers to vote in the fourth coming Parliamentary elections.

They said that Sectarianism deprives societies of getting able leaders especially if an able leader is from the minority group in the society asking locals to vote people’s capacities to deliver to electorates, not religious attachments, as effective service delivery is not linked to any religions but to a person’s capacity to lobby for the area they represent.

Source: https://www.apearlnews.net/national/kabale-leaders-unite-voices-against-sectarianism/

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLAIMS THE LIFE OF A 55 YEARS OLD MAN.

RUBANDA - The territorial Police in Rubanda are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a 55 Years Old Man through assault by his matrimonial wife at Nyarurambi village Ikamiro Parish Muko Sub County Rubanda District. Julius Rwanyarare male adult aged 55 years, Mukiga by tribe, peasant and a resident of Nyarurambi Cell Ikamaro Parish Muko Sub County in the Rubanda District whereas the suspect is Nyangire Estali female adult, aged 51 years old, Mukiga by tribe, peasant, and a resident of Nyarurambi Cell Ikamaro Parish Muko Sub County in the Rubanda District.

A case of Assault was reported to Police by Byaruhanga Milton male adult aged 61 years old Mukiga by tribe Chairperson LC1 Nyarurambi Cell Ikamaro Parish Muko Sub County in Rubanda District and registered at Muko Police Station vide SD REF: 16/15/03/2025 and being investigated vide Rubanda Police CRB 105/2025 as Murder arising out of a domestic violence.

Source: https://kigeziguardian.com/news/domestic-violence-claims-the-life-of-a-55-years-old-man-in-rubanda-district/

OVER 6,000 REFUGEES FLEE CONFLICT IN DRC

KISORO: Kisoro District has received over 6,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the beginning of March due to escalating conflict in Eastern DRC and according to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Hajji Badru Ssebyalla the number of refugees entering Kisoro continues to rise daily as people flee hostilities in search of shelter and food.

In an Interview, Ssebyalla noted that the Nyakabande Transit Centre is now overcrowded. To manage the influx, authorities are transferring refugees from Nyakabande to other centers to create space for new arrivals as he cautioned Kisoro residents, particularly those in sub-counties and town councils near the border, against providing accommodation to refugees warning that some individuals may be fleeing as fighters, while others could be carrying illnesses or have intentions of destabilizing peace and security in Uganda, especially in Kisoro.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/kisoro-district-receives-over-6000-refugees-fleeing-conflict-in-drc/

 

TO OPEN IN JULY 2025; The DISTRICT HOSPITAL PROMISES IMPROVED HEALTHCARE

RUBANDA: The Rubanda District LC5 Chairman, Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba, has revealed that the first-ever Rubanda District Hospital, located in Kamugongo, Rubanda West, Muko Sub-county, will be operational starting July 1, 2025.and confirmed that the central government has already allocated funds for paying medical staff salaries. He also revealed that the UPDF Engineering Brigade, which is overseeing the hospital’s construction, has assured them that the work will be completed on time.

With the hospital’s opening on the horizon, Rubanda residents can look forward to improved healthcare services, marking a significant milestone for the district.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/rubanda-district-hospital-to-open-in-july-2025-promising-improved-healthcare/

 

MAID SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS IN PRISON FOR TORTURING A 4 YEAR MINOR.

KAMPALA: The 37-year-old maid, Tumuhirwe Precious, who pleaded guilty of torturing a 4-year-old child, causing her grievous body harm was sentenced to 40 years in jail. Appearing before Kira Chief Magistrate Shallon Niwaha, Tumuhirwe faced charges of torture for the December 27, 2024 attack that happened at Kikoko Zone, Namataba Cell, Kirinya Ward in Wakiso District. She was employed as a housemaid arrested in Kabale, where she had fled after the assault of Claire Tumwekwa (the victim) the Minor in the home. The video, which shows Precious repeatedly assaulting the minor in a bathroom, triggered widespread condemnation, with calls for swift justice and tougher penalties for child abuse.

Source: https://westernpearlnews.com/tumuheirwe-sentenced-to-40-years-in-prison-for-torturing-a-4-year-minor/

 

UGANDA NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL AUTHORITY WARNS OF ABNORMAL RAINS, HAILSTORMS, AND STRONG WINDS THIS SEASON

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority has issued a warning about abnormal weather patterns this season, forecasting heavy rains, hailstorms, flash floods, lightning, and strong winds. The authority urged the public to take precautions against these extreme weather conditions, which could disrupt daily activities and cause damage to property.

Source: https://x.com/nbstv/status/1904166961757446347

 

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

M23 REBELS REJECT AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL’S CLAIMS ON SOUTH KIVU DEATH TOLL

GOMA: The M23 Rebels have strongly condemned and rejected what they call irresponsible misinformation from certain human rights organizations, particularly Amnesty International.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka dismissed the allegations, citing a communiqué from the DRC/Red Cross South Kivu dated March 20, 2025 refuting claims that 406 bodies were recovered in South Kivu province between February 17 and March 13, 2025, by the Red Cross.

He argued that the figures being circulated did not originate from the Red Cross, an organization known for its neutrality, impartiality, and discretion.

Kanyuka denounced what he called an attempt at manipulation and urged both the national and international community to disregard these “false allegations” frequently promoted by human rights organizations.

Source: https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/m23-rebels-reject-amnesty-internationals-claims-on-south-kivu-death-toll/

 

EAST CONGO CEASEFIRE IN TROUBLE AS REBELS STAY IN STRATEGIC TOWN

The ceasefire in eastern Congo is in jeopardy as M23 rebels continue to occupy the strategic town of Walikale, a key mining hub. Despite an agreement to withdraw, the rebels have stayed due to the presence of Congolese forces, delaying peace efforts. This disruption threatens supply routes and the region's stability. The ongoing conflict has led Angola to end its mediation role, and a new African nation will take over the peace process. The situation highlights the challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/angola-end-east-congo-conflict-mediation-role-presidency-says-2025-03-24/?utm   

IN THE QUARTER,

Citizens in Kabale Area are concerned about public accountability and service delivery which entail human rights issues that include but not limited to;

•           Parents’ denial to the VHTs to provide vaccination to children, most especially polio.

•           Limited salaries and transportation allowances to the VHTs and refusal to pay them when contracts indicate paying workers for services that they do in the community.

•           High expectations of the clients to be given services when referrals are done and the expenses involved

•           Citizens report that there are no medicines in the facilities to give to the patients and they get burnt when they are expired.

•           Inaccessibility (poor road network that limits service delivery) as a result of ragged terrain in Kigezi and the impact of heavy rains as a result of climate change.

•           Limited power supply thus hindering the service delivery of pregnant mothers due to persistent power shutdowns

•           Limited beds in labour rooms for pregnant mothers added to the rudeness of some midwives affecting the expectant mothers’ mental health.

•           Limited trained teachers in schools and consistent absenteeism amongst the teachers lowering the education levels added to unaffordability of the grassroots parents’ payment of several school dues leading to children abandoning schools.

•           Climate change has serious impact i.e. heavy rains wash away the temporary bridges and also limit mobility for the teachers and learners.

•           Bribery and corruption while asking for votes is already taking a centre stage and the voters are still languishing in abject poverty which is a bad sign added to the escalating impact of religion on political landscape heading into the general election of 2026.

•           No toilets for the physically challenged persons added to other services and inclusivity in planning and implementation processes.

•           Limited manpower expected at the Health Centre II’s and III’s which breeds corruption and risky service delivery.

 

However; with the HUMAN RIGHTS BASED APPROACH TRAINING AS A MEANS OF PROMOTING AND PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE AND MINORITY GROUPS in Kigezi conducted by the ICGLR-RTF in collaboration with Uganda Police Force with support from British High Commission of Uganda (BHC) under the Project Uganda Open Societies Programme II: Accountability, Human Rights, Social Cohesion and Portfolio Strategic Fund to strengthen the capacity of Uganda Police Force and other actors in the Justice System on Human Rights Based Approach and Promoting the Rights of Vulnerable groups- (Women, Elders, Children, Persons with disabilities, refugees) including civil and political rights. As a result of consultative meetings with stakeholders in Justice system that included CSOs like LOSCO and developed the Human Rights Training Tools for building the capacity of Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Judiciary, Probation Office, Uganda Human Rights Commission, Electoral Commission and CSO Actors in the justice system of Uganda that bred a five days training on Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) and Promoting the Rights of Vulnerable Groups in Kigezi Region (Elderly, Children, Persons with disabilities, Refugees) including Civil and Political Rights, its believed that several issues will be progressively addressed more emphasis placed on the observance of the 48hr Rule on detention of suspects and issues of torture of all kinds.

 

THANKS FOR READING! MAY YOU HAVE YOURSELF A GREAT QUARTER AHEAD!!!

SRHR SITUATION IN RUBANDA DISTRICT

 https://www.informerug.com/2023/08/insufficient-ambulance-ultrasound-scan-services-hamper-antenatal-care-in-ru

 

KNOW YOUR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS – ROTARACTORS EMPOWERED

WHO IS A YOUTH?

A young person especially: a young Male/ Female between adolescence and maturity

Uganda's National Youth Policy defines youth as those aged between 18 and 30. In contrast, the East African Community (EAC) defines youth as those between 15 and 35 years while the United Nation's definition is 15-24 years.

Participation in the protection & promotion activities can help youths become better informed about current events.

Human Rights are natural entitlements that accrue to everyone by virtue of being Human.

A human Being is a Man, Woman, Child with a sense of Reason.

30 Articles in UDHR and the Constitution of ROU 1995 (as Amended)

Human Rights go Hand in Hand with Human Responsibilities but ignorance of one affects the role of the other.

It stresses that developing capacities for participation is an important result in itself.

The youth can preserve human rights for generations and implant the importance and value of fundamental rights and freedoms in people's hearts.

As youth, we should convey the message of human rights to society.

The UDHR is adopted in 1948 December 10th a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world. In Uganda, it was 9th December 1998 that Declared HRD Day

It is absolutely clear that we need to regain the universality of human rights, the indivisibility of human rights, and we need to find a new energy that motivates young people around the world." Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, human rights have become more recognised and more guaranteed across the globe. It has since served as the foundation for an expanding system of human rights protection that today focuses also on vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and migrants.

CATEGORIES of RIGHTS

First Generation Rights – Civic - Political – Liberties (Checking Excesses of the State) -Vote– Financial Implications

Second Generation Rights – Social Economic and Cultural Rights - Welfare (Progressive in Nature) Financial Implications

Group Rights – Groups for different categories (Clean Environment, Clean Water)

Pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution 35/14, The documented discrimination and some of the challenges for young people in accessing civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights.

In its resolution 1983/46, adopted at its 39th session, the Commission called upon states to take appropriate action for the exercise by youth of all their human rights-

·         the right to life and liberty,

·         freedom from slavery and torture,

·         freedom of opinion and expression,

·         the right to work and

·         the right to education,

Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.

ARTICLE 38 CIVIC RIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

(1) Every Uganda citizen has the right to participate in the affairs of government, individually or through his or her representatives in accordance with law.

RIGHTS – Chapter 4 (Articles 20-50)

·         Rights to Life – Article 22

·         Torture (Inflicting severe pain) -Article 24

·         Own property – Article – 26

·         Privacy – Article 27

·         Freedom of Expression – Article 29

·         Education – Article 30

·         Marriage – Article 51

Characteristics of human rights

·         Human rights are inalienable. This means that you cannot lose them, because they are linked to the very fact of human existence.

·         They are inherent to all human beings.

·         Human rights are indivisible

·         Interdependent and interrelated

·         Human rights are universal,

Article 44 – Never limited Rights

1. Torture (Inflicting severe pain) (Article 24)

2. Fair hearing

3. Right to an Order of Habeas corpus

4. Right to freedom from Slavery and Servitude

However, the promise of the UDHR, of dignity and equality in rights, has been under a sustained assault in recent years. As the world faces challenges new and ongoing – pandemics, conflicts, exploding inequalities, morally bankrupt global financial system, racism, climate change – the values, and rights enshrined in the UDHR provide guideposts for our collective actions that do not leave anyone behind.

 

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE A SILENT DRIVER OF GLOBAL MALNUTRITION & POVERTY

 

’Violence’ means any form of physical, emotional or mental injury or abuse, neglect, maltreatment and exploitation, including sexual abuse, intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against an individual which may result in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, mal-development or deprivation.”

In Uganda, VAWG remains particularly widespread. According to the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS), 51 per cent of women aged 15-19 years have ever experienced physical violence. More than one in five (22 per cent) women have ever experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes (UBOS & ICF, 2018)

Hon. Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) presented a statement on the l6 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This global campaign was inaugurated in 1991 and spearheaded by the Women's Global Leadership Institute (WGLI), a program at Rutgers University in New Jersey USA which trains women in leadership based on global good and practice.  The campaign has since grown globally and is marked by a wide range of activities organized by various stakeholders. This year 2022, marks the 31st Anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

 

The Gender Minister said, "Since Uganda engaged in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, there has been increased public awareness of gender-based violence as a human right, public health, economic and social issue at the family, community, and national levels".  She said Bukedi region was leading with the highest intimate partner violence at 48%, followed by Acholi at 47% and Elgon at 33%, while South Buganda registered the lowest rate at 8%. The National Survey on Violence Against Women (2021) conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) indicated that 95% of respondents had experienced physical or sexual violence, or both, by partners, or non-partners, since the age of 15 years. The lifetime prevalence of intimate partner sexual violence was at 36%, whereas physical violence among ever-partnered women was at 45%. There are regional disparities with Bukedi registering the highest intimate partner violence at 48%, followed by Acholi region at 47% and Elgon Region at 33%. South Buganda registered the lowest rate at 8%.

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign commenced on 25^th November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with a National Launch which flags off various activities at national and district levels in line with the national theme and ends on 10^th December, which is the Human Rights Day. This year's Global Theme is; UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls". Uganda has adopted this global theme as the National theme

Violence against women and children in most communities, include poverty, substance abuse, discriminatory gender roles, and widespread acceptance of violence, which are reinforced by social norms.

·         Violence in all its forms remains a public health concern across the world. Intimate partner violence (IPV) can be physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological, among other forms.

·         Previous research has shown that women are susceptible to poor health outcomes due to violence. Violence against women can have direct health consequences related to injury or psychosocial distress, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, stress—which may last longer even after violence is no more.

·         Such findings indicate that experience of psychosocial distress is higher among people who experience violence than people who do not experience violence.

·         Previous research shows that women who are exposed to intimate partner violence are more likely to acquire HIV than women who have not experienced intimate partner violence. Other negative health effects associated with violence include induced abortion, low birth weight, suicide, homicides, and alcohol disorders. Due to this, there is a need to start recognizing violence against women as a societal or community problem rather than an individual problem.

·         Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue. It refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender, and is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. This can take several forms such as intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation.

·         GBV hinders women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of reproductive health rights. Victims of sexual violence may need emergency contraceptive pills for any unintended pregnancies; treatment for sexually transmitted infections including HIV; medical attention for other injuries including mental and psychological trauma.

 

GBV - CHILDREN impact & Nutrition Factors

An adult in the neighborhood ever: • punched, kicked, whipped, or beat a child, choked, suffocated, tried to drown a child, or burned them intentionally!

 

Emotional Violence – Drains Emotional Stability and that has a high probability of damaging a child’s mental health or his/her physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social development. This is more on emotional acts of violence perpetrated by parents, adult caregivers, or other adult relatives.

According to the United Nations (UN), food insecurity is increasing in Uganda, rising from 24.1% in 2006 to 41% in 2018. The ongoing COVID-19 and Global Economic crisis have contributed to this considerable increase in Ugandan food insecurity and is likely to continue to do so. Likewise, there is great concern that GPV is increasing across the world because of social isolation, poverty and despair due to COVID-19-related lockdowns, social and financial hardships.

 

Due to GBV, the productivity rates are so low due to low energy levels that are always responsible for physical attributes to work hence low food production. Uganda. This is coupled with Land and Property Ownership Issues.

 

Mental health issues (depression or anxiety), which occur when concerns about food availability are accompanied by poor coping mechanisms such as alcohol consumption, can further lead to GBV and the concept of ‘patriarchal risk’ can help to theoretically explain the cultural and societal dependence of women on male family members for food and protection, and traditional gender roles are closely linked to all dimensions of food insecurity: access, availability, stability and utilisation. Although women tend to have less control over the household budget, they are often held responsible for feeding the family and blamed if they fail to provide food on the table, leading to different harmful coping strategies such as transactional sex, which in turn increases their risk of HIV.

There is a lot of GBV among the Teenage parents (Mothers) and Poverty is the leading cause leading to limited capacity to provide for.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

·         Address the younger generation to create sustainable change related to gender-based violence

·         Implement more community meetings on empowerment

·         Provide a moving gender transformation center for the more remote areas of Kabale

·         Help girls understand their basic rights.

·         Intentional and consistent mass awareness among the communities and leaders.

 

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LOSCO a vibrant and Human Rights Focused NGO based in Kigezi Sub region of Uganda on the Western part is a one stop Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and does work around HRDs, Land Rights, Climate Justice, Social Justice, Governance in Health, Transparency and Accountability with the final beneficiary in mind. Its started this work in 2019 and the effects of COVID-19 came through so hard on programs and implementation plans but still managed to sail through.

Now LOSCO stands as the Most Vibrant CSO in Kigezi Sub region coordinating all HRDs in the region with focus on Human Rights Education and Capacity Building to the Human Rights CSOs and Government Agencies.

In a country blessed with peace and stability, civil society fills the space untouched by government and the private sector. In a fragile and conflict-ridden country, it plays an even more important role of providing services normally the responsibility of the state and business and can lay the foundation for reconciliation.

 ‘If anyone needs a crash course in the critical role played by civil society organizations, COVID-19 is providing it—from increased need for the services they provide to those less fortunate, to the strain they are experiencing from lack of supplies and the need to “social distance,” to government having to act too quickly without civil society input. Nevertheless, beyond the current crisis, civil society is an essential building block of development and national cohesion.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are a large and strategic sector of working across a wide range of thematic areas including the promotion of accountability and transparency, citizens’ participation, democracy, human rights, gender, youth, jobs and livelihoods, health, education, agriculture, migration and forced displacement, water and sanitation, and environmental protection among others. In addition, the CSOs in Uganda belong to a range of groups and organisations including trade unions, professional associations, faith-based organisations (FBOs) and cooperatives. The NGOs as a sub-group of CSOs have been more visible and more or less become synonymous with the term CSOs due to the nature of their work in Uganda.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are recognized globally for their enormous contributions towards addressing economic, social, and political challenges including raising human right violations within communities. CSOs have evolved overtime and assumed different forms including organized and organic groups of different sizes and functions such as community-based organizations, workers’ or labour unions, professional associations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).3 In some jurisdictions, the role of CSOs is embedded in legal and policy frameworks.

While civil society in Uganda has been influential in contributing to the socio-economic and political development of the country as documented in multiple studies, the sector is plagued by several restrictions, which include inter alia: the shrinking civic space for their operations caused by negative narratives, which are tattled around. the multiplicity of administrative and legislative requirements for compliance. This is all on the backdrop of decreasing funding.

In Uganda, the Constitution grants CSOs mandate to protect and promote Human Rights of Ugandans. However, many governments especially those in the Global South have limited the civic space for CSOs, especially democracy and human rights organizations. Additionally, CSOs also continue to struggle with dwindling donor funding and shifting priorities driven by foreign policy considerations that pose a threat to their sustainability. In realizing sustainability amidst the changing trends, it is increasingly important for CSOs to prioritize developing diversified sources of institutional and financial support; and strengthening governance and leadership capacities.

With increased reports of corruption; maladministration in the public sector, increasing poverty levels, apathy among citizens, increase in criminality, human rights violations, poor service delivery, poor environmental governance and the resulting degradation of the environment; limited action on accountability concerns; the CSOs still have some work to do.