Deputy Chief Justice Calls for Joint Effort to Combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

What the report says

Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi has called for a wider, coordinated response to sexual and gender-based violence, saying the problem cannot be addressed by courts alone. According to Nile Post, he made the remarks at the inaugural International Association of Women Judges–Uganda Chapter Partners’ Event held at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.

The event brought together judicial officers, government representatives, development partners, civil society groups and media stakeholders under the theme “Beyond the Bench: Partnership for Equal Justice.” Kazibwe said sexual and gender-based violence affects individuals, families and communities, and should be treated as both a justice issue and a broader social and development concern. He said the existence of laws is only a starting point, and stressed that effective protection depends on how well those laws work for survivors in practice.

He pointed to Uganda’s legal framework on violence against women and girls, including constitutional protections and statutes covering domestic violence and sexual offences, while noting that legal provisions alone are not enough to end abuse. He also highlighted specialised court sessions already being used in some districts and called for those efforts to be expanded and strengthened, especially in lower courts closer to communities.

Kazibwe welcomed the IAWJ-Uganda Chapter’s plans to support survivors with skills, help affected families and use public awareness tools to prevent abuse. He said justice should include recovery, dignity and reintegration after a case ends, and encouraged police, prosecutors, health workers, courts and community actors to work together across investigation, prosecution, protection and prevention.