The outgoing Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stanley Ntagali, has flagged off a prayer walk to mark 16 days of activism against gender based violence.
The walk which attracted hundreds of people from Mothers Union, Fathers Union, Market Vendors, Schools and other institutions began from All Saints Cathedral and ended at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe.
In his remarks, Ntagali said “As the world commemorates 16 days of activism against gender violence, the church joins to add voice against gender violence in a Thursday in black campaign-against rape and violence. We condemn in the strongest term possible, actions of rape and violence against women and girls.”
He said the church, is deeply concerned about the increasing trend of sexual and gender-based violence in the Country especially towards women and girls including the continued harmful practices such Female Genital Mutilation, Child marriages and the increasing cases of child molesting and defilement and its negative consequences.
Given the prevailing circumstance on the gender-based injustices in the Country, Ntagali expressed his concern over the delayed passing of the Sexual offences Bill. “Once passed, the Law will protect Men, Women and Children against sexual exploitation and abuse, reduce sexual harassment and end impunity and provide basis for punishment of perpetrators of Gender based injustices.” He said.
Next week, Sexual Offences bill will be presented on the floor of Parliament despite not being issued the certificate on financial implication, will exhibited by the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda and our Hon Members of the Parliament of Uganda.
He implore the government of Uganda through the Parliament of Uganda to pass the Sexual Offences Bill and Give Uganda a Christmas and New Year’s gift.
“As we commemorate the 16 days of activism, the church pledges through its structures to contribute to protection of children and call upon government to accelerate action to pass and implement gender related policies,” he said.
He vowed that the Church will continue to support and corporate towards a balanced world and shall continue to speak against such intolerable behavior to amplify global voice towards gender justice bearing in mind that we are one in Christ Jesus and created equal. (Galatian 3:28).
According to Irene Anena, the Gender Officer for Church of Uganda, today’s walk was very successful and meaningful impact has been made.
“The Statement has been made. People from different social classes coming out to embrace this campaign and accepting to be advocates of Gender justice is of great importance to church of Uganda and I believe, with this huge turn up and concerted efforts, we shall put an end to gender Violence.” Anena said.
She called upon the clergy, politicians and all other leaders in their respective capacities to support the campaign.
Henry Tumwesigye, the Director for Household and Community Transformation (HCT) in Church of Uganda applauded the funders of this campaign and appealed for more support to enable the Directorate carry out interventions in more parts of the Uganda.
