KAMPALA — The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Lino Anguzu, has commended government agencies and development partners for working closely with his office to prevent and prosecute cases of Violence Against Women and Girls.
“We understand that we cannot respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) alone. This underscores the importance of partnerships and support from other stakeholders in executing our mandate. We therefore thank all our partners who are here today to show solidarity with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and to showcase the work you do, and how collectively we can end violence against women, men and children,” Anguzu remarked while addressing participants at the ODPP Baraza held at City Square in Kampala.
He reaffirmed ODPP’s commitment to continue prosecuting all perpetrators of violence and other crimes in line with Article 120 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution.
Anguzu revealed that this year’s focus is on digital and online violence, noting that emerging trends show a growing threat to vulnerable groups.
“Research indicates that 68% of children with disabilities experience violence online, compared to 59% of children without disabilities, bringing the total exposure rate to 62%. Offences include cyberbullying, cyberstalking, child pornography, among others. Some crimes such as defilement and rape now begin online, where perpetrators use fake accounts and pseudonyms to lure and recruit innocent children before physically abusing them,” he said.
He further warned that failure to address Gender-Based Violence would derail the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as GBV remains a serious violation of human rights and a major barrier to social and economic development.
Lady Justice Margaret Mutonyi of the Family Division attended the event as a special guest, highlighting the strong and longstanding cooperation between the Judiciary and the Prosecution Services.
The half-day event, organized by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with support from the Irish Embassy and the International Justice Mission, was held at Constitutional Square under the theme: “Unite to End All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Various stakeholders from the justice, law and order sector — including the Uganda Police Force, Redeem International, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development — set up exhibition stalls to sensitise members of the public on their roles in combating GBV.
The exhibitions showcased tools, services and innovations supporting the protection of survivors and the fight against gender-based violence.
