Nyakiyumbu Sub-county, which is situated in Bukonzo County West of Kasese district, has been grappling with a concerning rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases. The alarming situation has led local authorities and non-governmental organizations to join forces in search of solutions.
Patience Masika, the Community Development Officer for Nyakiyumbu Sub-County, revealed that the area had witnessed over 400 GBV cases in less than nine months. These cases encompassed incidents of defilement, child labor, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse. The escalating violence reached a critical point, demanding immediate intervention from various bodies to eradicate this menace.
During a recent sub-county evaluation meeting with eight non-governmental organizations operating in the region, Masika emphasized the urgency of addressing the violence effectively. She highlighted the need for collective efforts to combat GBV and protect the vulnerable members of society.
Benjamin Mbusa, the sub-county Gombolola Internal Security Officer, who also coordinated the Justice Centers of Uganda in the lower local government, shed light on another contributing factor to the violence: land-related conflicts among family members. To mitigate such conflicts, he recommended that family heads create wills to safeguard their property, ensuring a peaceful transfer of assets in case of their demise.
Nehemiah Muhindo, the coordinator for Community Empowerment for Rural Development, attributed the surge in violence to the prevalence of illiteracy in certain communities. He stressed the importance of promoting education to foster awareness and understanding, which could lead to a reduction in violence.
Addressing the issue from a governance perspective, Mustafa Kikusa, the Sub-county Chief, called upon civil society organizations to develop sustainable strategies for their sensitization campaigns within the community. These campaigns can play a vital role in raising awareness about GBV and educating people on ways to prevent and address such incidents.
Additionally, Kikusa advised the residents of Nyakiyumbu to actively participate in government programs aimed at uplifting their economic status. Economic empowerment, he believes, can help eradicate the root causes of violence that often stem from poverty and desperation.
The situation in Nyakiyumbu Sub-county required immediate attention and collaboration from all stakeholders.
