A Critical Overview of Gender –Based Violence in Uganda

Abstract

Sexual and Gender based violence against women including refugees in Uganda is a cause for serious concern. The Second World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993 and the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1994 gave priority to this issue, which jeopardizes women’s lives, bodies, psychological integrity and freedom. This paper is a critical analysis of the forms, causes, effect and prevention strategies of sexual and gender- based violence against women in Uganda. The doctrinal research method was utilized. The findings were that certain aspect of Ugandan culture subject women to unequal treatment and make them prone to sexual abuse and gender violence. The research confirmed there is sexual violence among refugees which is contrary to the Standard Operating Manuals by the United Nations Humanitarian Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) for caregivers. The government should work at removing negative cultural, social, and traditional practices that encourage the perpetuation of sexual violence and makes victims suffer in silence rather than speak out. There should also be a review of policy processes that are obstacles to victim confidence in law enforcement and successful prosecution of perpetrators.