BY JOACKIM KULE
Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu has flagged off a team of people who are charged with the responsibility of explaining and sensitizing the subjects about the kingdom’s policy guidelines on family and gender relations aimed at curbing gender-based violence.
With funding from the International Justice Mission (IJM), the policy guidelines were drafted, published and disseminated to discourage practices which lead to violence especially against women and children in the communities.
The guidelines’ book highlights proper family handling practices, marriage, succession, clan membership, property rights and food security among the people in the kingdom.
Officiating at the flagging off ceremony shortly after an induction of the people who will disseminate the guidelines to the community members, yesterday at the Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese District, Rt. Hon. Benson Kule Baritazale, the Obusinga Prime Minister, told the flagged off members to uphold the key messages contained in the books they were given and also live by example.
The kingdom’s Premier lauded the IJM for her efforts and resources it rendered in ensuring that the guidelines are prepared, translated and published in the local language.
Hon. Juliet Best Bakoko, the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu who doubles as the Minister for Gender, Rehabilitation and Disability Affairs was happy that if the guidelines are disseminated and accessible to all the people, violence would be eradicated.
She regretted that there has been an alarming case of violence especially against children where the parents in some sub-counties had opted for using their biological children sexually, calling for joint efforts towards preaching against the vice.
Ms. Agnes Akandwanaho, the Programs Officer for community engagement at the International Justice Mission in the Rwenzori region, called on the kingdom leaders to emphasize prohibiting the tendency of marrying off children at early ages.
She indicated that the IJM was looking forward to eliminating sexual violence by 2030, with a target of 24 million women and children saved from violence.
ENDS