Minister Otafire scolds clan leaders for infringing on women’s rights while resolving land cases

By Denish Ongora (denish.ongora@vol.co.ug)

Lira

Minister of internal affairs Rtd. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafire has blasted some clan leaders for infringing on the rights of women while handling land cases.

Yesterday, Lira women council launched a campaign geared towards fighting gender based violence presided over by Minister of internal affairs Rtd. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafire.

Otafire said there is need for married couples to resolve their grievances on their own and only involve clan leaders where they have failed to hit a compromise since clan leaders in most cases pronounce judgment that does not favor women.

Otafire warned women against engaging in violence against their husbands, adding that incase of irreconcilable differences, it’s better for a couple to separate instead of killing their spouse.

Cecilia Agang, the councilor of Barjobi Sub County and Barjobi Town Council, in Otuke district while briefing the minister on the campaign against gender based violence involving the women council of Lira city and Lango Sub Region stated that domestic violence against women affects development yet 1 out of 10 women experience domestic violence compared to only 1 out of 20 men who face the same.

Agang said their assessment at Lira government prison revealed that 18 women were imprisoned for killing their husbands, while six men were imprisoned for committing the same offence.

She said this campaign seeks to promote peace, and development.

Lira City Mayor, Sam Atul asked minister Otafire to reinforce police in Lira city to boost security, adding that many women who have left their marriages are flocking Lira city and need protection.