By Brian Atuhura

Masindi District Vice Chairperson Bright Mugume has commended Civil Society Organisations(CSOs)and Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs)for their efforts to amplify the voices of women ,particularly marginalised women in rural communities.

Mugume said the initiatives implemented by NGOs,including community training and leadership programmes,have empowered women to understand their rights and confidently report cases of abuse and other forms of gender-based violence.

He made the remarks yesterday while addressing stakeholders during a quarterly review meeting on Gender Based Violence(GBV),organised by Masindi District with support from BRAC at the District headquarters.

A police report presented during the meeting showed that five defilement cases were recorded in April,while May registered three cases of aggravated defilement and four cases of defilement.Police also recorded two rape cases,one case of indecent assault and one case of homosexuality during the period.

In June,police recorded two cases of aggravated defilement,four defilement cases,two cases of indecent assault and one rape case.

Masindi District Probation and Social Welfare Officer Annet Karamagi said the district has recorded at least 68 GBV cases since January,excluding cases involving grievous harm.

Karamagi said the continued rise in reported cases calls for concerted efforts from government,civil society organisations,communities and other stakeholders to prevent and combat gender-based violence.

She urged stakeholders to strengthen community awareness,reporting mechanisms and support systems for survivors of GBV.