Leaders in Lira District are working on implementing by-laws and ordinances to combat the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse in their communities. This initiative comes as a response to concerning data showing various forms of abuse, including defilement, exploitation, neglect, and torture, affecting children in several districts within the region.
Christine Anono, the Community Development Officer for Lira District, highlighted the distressing reality that boys, as well as girls, experience sexual abuse but often remain silent due to a lack of awareness or understanding about this form of violence. This silence contributes to the perpetuation of abuse and its harmful impacts, including school dropout rates among affected children.
Efforts to address this issue have included training sessions for leaders in Ogur and Aromo sub-counties and Lira City, supported by the Women Leadership Development (WLEDE) organization. The training focuses on equipping leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to formulate local laws targeting sexual gender-based violence (SGBV), child marriage, and teenage pregnancies prevalent in the Lango region.
Funded by the African Women’s Development Fund, the project aims to enhance women’s participation in local governance, improve maternal healthcare, and promote the retention of girls in primary education. This comprehensive approach seeks to foster accountability, advocacy, and community action to address systemic issues contributing to sexual abuse and related challenges.
Edith Ssali, the Executive Director of WLEDE, emphasized the importance of empowering women and youth councillors with the capacity to develop effective by-laws and ordinances. These legislative measures serve as critical tools for enacting policies that safeguard vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators of sexual violence and abuse accountable.
Margaret Pauline Namagembe, a public administrator and human rights activist, stressed the significance of clarity and inclusivity in policy formulation. By-laws and ordinances must be accessible to all affected parties and written in a manner that ensures understanding and compliance, thereby facilitating effective enforcement and implementation.
Ssali emphasized the pivotal role of local leaders in driving change and ensuring the enforcement of by-laws within their communities. Through targeted training and support, these leaders are empowered to champion initiatives aimed at preventing SGBV and child sexual abuse while advocating for improved access to essential services and social support systems.
The focus on education as a key strategy underscores the importance of retaining girls in school up to Primary Seven. By addressing barriers to education and promoting gender equality in learning environments, communities can mitigate the risk factors associated with sexual abuse and empower girls to pursue their academic aspirations.
