Red Cross, Gov’t of Austria Inject 4.2Bn in Fight Against Domestic Violence in Uganda

The Uganda Red Cross Society with support from the Austrian Red Cross Society and Austrian Development Agency has launched a five year Sky Bird Program aimed at improving living conditions in East Africa through increased innovation, strengthened capacity and related fields to enable gender sensitive and effective WASH service delivery.

In Uganda, five Red Cross Society branches of Ntungamo, Moroto, Lira, Iganga and Kampala South have benefited from the program.

However, due to the increased cases of domestic violence in Ntungamo District, there will be a one year micro project to strengthen the fight against the vice in nine parishes selected from the four sub counties of Nyakyeera, Ruhaama East, Nyabihoko and Rubaare.

According to the District Probation Officer Mr. Benon Mugume,  there has been a sharp increase of domestic violence where 748 cases were registered in 2019 and out of those, only 107 cases were prosecuted in courts of law. Between January and August 2020, 400 cases were registered where only 60 cases were prosecuted.

Mugume attributed the vice to poverty where the couples are competing over the scarce resources for survival thus fighting each other.

While launching the project on Saturday in the District Council Hall, the RDC Ntungamo Mr. George Bakunda hailed the NRM government for the cordial relationship with countries and implementing partners.

Bakunda thanked the Uganda Red Cross Society for lobbying for such a project to benefit the people of Ntungamo and asked them to be transparent.

Hon. Stephen Tashobya the National Treasurer Uganda Red Cross Society called upon all stakeholders to support the project if they are to get more.

The National Project Coordinator Ms. Jennifer Akumu noted that the Shs 4.2Bn project will be implemented in a phased manner saying that when Ntungamo District performs well it will be considered for the next phase.

The Branch Manager Nsabimana Livingstone hailed Austria for considering Ntungamo District and pledged to perform to its maximum.

Other speakers were District Chairman Mr. Dennis Singahache, ACAO Mr. Byamukama Alfred and Sgt Mubangizi Matthias, the Community Liaison Officer at Ntungamo Police Station.