Summary:
- The Gulu District Probation Office in the past six months recorded 1,917 cases of gender-based violence (GBV), with an anticipated year-end increase, and the statistics were revealed during the 16 days of activism against GBV, highlighting contributing factors and specific sub-counties with high incidences.
In the past six months, the Gulu District Probation Office has documented a total of 1,917 cases related to gender-based violence (GBV). The probation statistics project a potential increase towards the year-end, contrasting with the 2,658 cases reported in 2022.
Jessica Anena, the Senior Probation Officer for Gulu District, disclosed that the highest number of cases involved the denial of resources, opportunities, and services, totaling 985. This was followed by 461 cases of psychological abuse, 255 cases of physical assault, and 76 instances of defilement.
Additional reported abuses encompassed 14 cases of child marriage, 54 incidents of rape, and 52 cases of sexual assault.
Within Gulu district, Paicho emerged as the sub-county with the highest GBV cases, reaching 231, followed by Owalo with 211 cases, and Patiko with 210 cases.
Other notable sub-counties include Bungatira with 207 GBV cases, Palaro with 206, Awach with 202, Owoo with 192, and Paibona with 184 cases.
The prevalence of GBV in Gulu was attributed to factors such as alcoholism, poverty, and negative cultural norms, as stated by the promotion department. These statistics were disclosed during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV in Gulu district, hosted in Owalo sub-county last week.
Owalo sub-county authorities linked the rising GBV cases in their area to the presence of Balalo herdsmen, prison farms, the UPDF training wing, and the Lugore army barracks.
Owalo sub-county LCIII Chairperson, Okoya Owen Chris, reported in October, during an interview with Ugreport, the infiltration of strangers who entice local women and young girls with money in exchange for sex, thus exacerbating GBV.
The 16 days of activism against GBV in 2023 concluded on Sunday, December 10th, under the theme “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.” The campaign urged citizens to share their actions aimed at ending violence against women and girls, emphasizing the importance of global governments revealing their investments in gender-based violence prevention.
