news 3 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Women's Rights Group Demands Police Reforms on Gender-Based Violence Cases
A coalition of women's rights organizations has petitioned the Uganda Police Force and local leaders, citing systemic barriers and alleged corruption that prevent survivors of gender-based violence from accessing justice. The group calls for enhanced training, better funding, and stricter disciplinary measures against officers involved in corrupt practices. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ugandan-women-s-rights-group-demands-reforms-in-police-handling-of-gender-based-violence-5582984
A coalition of women’s rights organizations, led by Action for Rural Women’s Empowerment (ARUWE), has formally presented a petition to the Uganda Police Force and Wakiso District leadership. The petition highlights significant challenges faced by survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in seeking justice, with a particular focus on alleged police corruption and systemic inefficiencies.
According to Ms. Sarah Okello, Advocacy Officer at ARUWE, a primary deterrent is the extortion of money by some law enforcement officers. Survivors report being asked to pay for investigations and arrests, leading to a belief that cases are compromised. This practice, coupled with the financial burden, forces many to abandon their pursuit of justice.
Data reveals that a large majority of SGBV survivors in Uganda, up to 69 percent, do not report their cases to official channels, preferring informal support networks. In Wakiso District, only about 27.7 percent of SGBV cases reach the police, and a mere 25.8 percent of these receive conclusive legal assistance. Many reported cases end in reconciliation or separation without legal resolution, leaving victims vulnerable.
The coalition is urging the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the SGBV Department, and the Child and Family Protection Unit to implement disciplinary actions against officers demanding bribes. They also call for specialized training for detectives, child-friendly procedures for defilement cases, and improved referral systems for medical, psychosocial, and legal support.
Concerns about underfunding and understaffing within the police force were acknowledged by SSP Donald Muhwezi, Kampala Metropolitan Police Community Liaison Officer. While admitting to isolated incidents of corruption, he urged the public to report misconduct and emphasized the need for increased resources and prioritization of prevention strategies.
The petition also calls on the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development to address funding gaps and on Wakiso District officials to establish a dedicated budget for victim support services. Legislators present at a stakeholders’ meeting pledged to advocate for these reforms in Parliament, recognizing the substantial economic and social cost of SGBV in Uganda.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)