Kasese District, Uganda – Police in Kasese District have expressed concern over the growing number of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases reported across several communities, saying the trend is straining resources and affecting the welfare of families.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Nelson Tumushime, the Rwenzori East Regional Police Spokesperson, nearly all four divisions within the region—Katwe, Bwera, Hima, and Kasese Municipality—have registered alarming levels of GBV cases, posing a significant threat to livelihoods and child upbringing.
SP Tumushime made the remarks Monday afternoon while addressing journalists at Kasese Central Police Station.
“Since the beginning of the year, police have recorded at least 116 cases of gender-based violence. However, the actual number could be much higher, as many incidents remain unreported,” he said.
The most commonly reported offenses include child neglect, abandonment, kidnapping, murder, and attempted murder—mostly among spouses or family members.
In a disturbing development, SP Tumushime also confirmed that police have arrested two boys from Munkunyu Sub-county on allegations of raping elderly women. The suspects, currently held at Bwera Divisional Police Headquarters, are believed to have been luring the victims by buying them alcoholic drinks before forcing them into sexual acts.
Authorities have called on the public to report GBV cases promptly and urged community leaders and families to engage in efforts to curb the rising violence.
