‘‘I can’t afford justice": Violence against women in Uganda continues unchecked and unpunished

In this report, Amnesty International calls upon the Ugandan authorities to improve the protection and promotion of women’s right to lead violence free lives. Violence against women and girls (including rape, domestic violence, and forced and early marriages) remains widespread in most parts of Uganda. The Ugandan government has not approved legislation in these areas, despite its international obligations to do so. During a fact-finding visit to Uganda in 2009, representatives of Amnesty International interviewed 105 survivors of sexual and domestic violence, lawyers, doctors and social workers, government representatives, medical practitioners, as well as local and international organisations. This work forms part of Amnesty International’s global campaign, Stop Violence Against Women (launched in March 2004).

This research finds that Ugandan authorities must urgently take measures to ensure that:
- Laws, policies and regulations address sexual and gender-based violence on an inclusive and non-discriminatory basis
- All victims of gender-based violence have access to forensic medical examinations and all necessary health care, and that no one is excluded because of inability to pay
- Places of safety are available for all women who need them
- The police and judiciary handle cases involving violence against women sensitively, professionally, expeditiously and with due seriousness, with the victim’s safety taking priority