KAMPALA – Female legislators under UWOPA have been urged to prioritise support for the justice sector to clear the mounting backlog of domestic violence cases, many of which languish due to insufficient resources for investigations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The appeal was delivered by the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) Chairperson, Hon. Sarah Opendi, during a high-level induction programme organized by UWOPA for Members of the 12th Parliament.
Opendi raised grave concerns over the surge in violence against women and girls, thus calling on the 12th Parliamentarians to advocate for adequate funds for the Justice, Law, and Order Sector to expedite long-pending domestic violence cases.
She emphasised that resource constraints must not be allowed to perpetuate injustice, insisting that timely investigations are fundamental to safeguarding the lives and dignity of women across the country.
“Every day we delay, another woman or girl pays the ultimate price for our inaction. We cannot continue to pass laws while ignoring the resource gaps that cripple investigations and leave perpetrators unpunished. The MPs must stand firm and say: enough is enough, fund justice, save lives,” Hon. Opendi remarked.
The Bukanga North County MP, Hon. Nathan Byanyima, standing in for the Speaker at the induction, praised UWOPA as the parliamentary group with the most enduring legacy since 1989.
He encouraged members to see through the finalisation of multiple legislative proposals initiated under the Association, asserting that the moment for decisive action is upon them.
“UWOPA has endured for over three decades, evolving, adapting, and leading. The 12th Parliament stands at a crossroads where the agenda must reflect all Ugandans’ aspirations. I call upon every member to champion these critical draft laws because the legacy we build today will define Uganda’s tomorrow,” said MP Byanyima.
Hon. Winnie Matsiko, one of the founding members of UWOPA, urged new and returning female legislators to engender every legislative process.
She advocated for the creation of robust awareness platforms where women can share experiences, learn from one another, and build capacity to effectively shape policy from a gender-responsive lens.
WFD Country Representative Joseph Munyangabo challenged UWOPA members to elevate the quality of their representation, assuring them of his organisation’s unwavering support for Uganda’s democratic development.
UN Women Deputy Representative Adekemi Ndieli applauded UWOPA’s enduring partnership in advancing gender equality and called for legislative action that narrows the gap between policymakers and the communities they serve.
She made a compelling case that investments in women’s rights and safety fuel Uganda’s broader growth and urged the female legislators to lead with courage and conviction.
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