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In Summary
According to the 2013 police crime report, sexual violence (rape and defilement) are the leading sexual related crimes standing at 1, 0640 cases
As the festive season draws closer, concerned civil society organizations have come out to condemn the increasing cases of rape and sexual assault against women, especially at recreational centers.
Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP), cites the recent incident that reportedly happened at Satellite beach Mukono (Roof top) where women were raped and no action either by the police or the owners of the facility has been taken against the perpetuators.
“Despite the fact that rape is a crime in the laws of Uganda and the constitution makes it clear that every woman, man, girl and boy have a right to dignity and safety in public or private, the recent occurrences of rape of women at the Mukono Satellite beach is a breach of the constitution,” said Ms Brenda Kugonza, the Programs Coordinator of CEDOVIP while addressing the media in Kampala.
She added: “the victims need justice and the women and girls in general need protection. How long shall we be silent when rape is happening with impunity in public spheres? Remember this could happen to your wife, daughter, sister or grad daughter.”
To that effect, CEDOVIP has tasked the police to specifically protect women and girls from rape at social hang outs especially during this festive season.
Speaking ahead of the festive season, the director of police operations; Andrew Felix Kaweesi at a press conference Monday warned the owners of recreational centers, especially the beaches to put in place the security mechanisms to protect those who will flock their places this season.
However, the manager of Satellite beach Mr Bashir Wamala refuted the allegations by the civil society, saying they were ‘baseless’.
“You know we have competitors and I believe these are one of their schemes that they want to use to bring us down. But let me assure you, no such incident happened and our premises are secure…” said Mr Wamala in a phone interview with this reporter.
According to the 2013 police crime report, sexual violence (rape and defilement) are the leading sexual related crimes standing at 1, 0640 cases.
awesaka@ug.nationmedia.com
