A section of lawmakers are advocating for a six-month timeframe within which courts should decide on cases of domestic violence. They argue that delays in the execution of justice have contributed to the increase in domestic violence in Uganda.
During a training of MPs under UWOPA organized by the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, Uganda Parliamentary Women Association (UWOPA) chairperson and Tororo district woman MP Sarah Opendi made the call. She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation of cases, stating that justice cannot be served if cases are poorly investigated. Opendi also highlighted that some instances are abandoned due to inadequate facilitation of law enforcement for investigations.
She said the proposal for six months will be included in the amendment of the sexual offenses bill to provide for a period within which domestic violence cases can be sorted instead of a case taking 5 years.
“We are aware that some of the cases take forever in the courts of law, so we are proposing an amendment, and this one is coming in the sexual offenses Bill but also the domestic violence act Opendi,’’ explained.
Opendi revealed that both the Marriage Bill and the Sexual Offenses Bill are going to be tabled for the first reading when Parliament resumes and called for the lawmakers’ support.
She also urged MPs to educate the public about the existing laws like the Succession Amendment Act, passed into law to assist children and widows. She pointed out that, despite the existence of the law, some widows are still being evicted from their matrimonial homes due to a lack of awareness among the general populace.
Kotido district woman MP Margaret Aleper urged fellow lawmakers to make wide consultations during the drafting of The Marriage Bill to ensure support from both male and female MPs. She also called for closer scrutiny of the practice of paying dowry, particularly within the current economic trends, to prevent women from being treated as property.
Terego district Woman representative Rose Obigah pledged to continue educating people about existing laws and pending Bills so that they understand the importance of the laws regarding domestic violence.
Amoltar district woman MP Agnes Apea emphasized the need to consider the cultural aspect and its impact on women’s rights, especially in cases where dowry is used as a tool to control women in marriages.
Apea also highlighted the dilemma faced by female MPs, who risk losing their seats if they choose to divorce their husbands.
