The Uganda Association of Women Lawyers

 

 

FIDA Uganda was most delighted to host officials from the Ford Foundation as they paid a courtesy visit on Friday 2 March 2012.

 

During the visit, smiles, laughter and tears revealed the close bonds and passions shared between FIDA Uganda and the Ford Foundation.

 

Among the guests was Mr. Maurice Makoloo. In November 2011, Mr. Makoloo was appointed as the Ford Foundation’s representative for Eastern Africa, serving Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

 

The Ford Foundation has been and continues to be one of FIDA Uganda’s most supportive partners in the protection of women’s rights. FIDA Uganda expresses sincerest gratitude to the Ford Foundation for its unwavering support.

 

“Working with Visionaries on the Frontlines of Social Change Worldwide” -  The Ford Foundation

 

 

It is indeed an honor to be identified as one of the visionaries on the frontlines of social change that the Ford Foundation has repeatedly chosen to work with.

 

FIDA Uganda looks forward to celebrating continued successes with the Ford Foundation in the protection of women’s rights.

 

 

Media Coverage

 

 

Watch this video on YouTube Embedded with WP YouTube Lyte.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ford Foundation's visit as reported in the New Vision (3 March 2012). Please click to view article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Galleries

 

 

 

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Please click here to view our web album containing photos from the Ford Foundation’s visit to FIDA Uganda on Friday 2 March 2012.

 

 

The following day: Community Legal Dialogues

 

 

Energized by the Ford Foundation’s visit, FIDA Uganda was in Mulago on Saturday 3 March 2012 holding community legal dialogues to engage communities and spread awareness on the law while offering free legal aid services through a mobile legal aid clinic.

 

FIDA Uganda thanks the Ford Foundation for making the community legal dialogues possible.

 

Please click here to view photos from the community legal dialogues held in Mulago on 3 March 2012.

 

http://www.fordfoundation.org/

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of tension in Uganda. Violence and injustice have ruptured the peace in our beautiful land. Many of us ask ourselves, “How did we find ourselves in this situation?” Most Ugandans have mastered the art of survival; women in particular have learned how to beat the odds and survive in a male dominated economy. However, recent inflation in the country has brought Ugandans to unanticipated levels of desperation. In addition to perfecting their daily survival tactics, Ugandans are seeking new solutions to the harsh economic situation in which they have found themselves, such as peacefully escalating their grievances to those in authority. Many Ugandans who ordinarily drive to work attempted to express their economic grievances by walking to work, hoping that those in a position to make a difference would take notice and at least offer some assurance.

 

In anticipation of riots, truckloads of gun-wielding men and women in various uniforms were deployed in towns and cities across the country to maintain order. Those walking to work found themselves in disagreement with security forces; a downward spiral of agitation and harassment ensued. To disperse gatherings that were becoming rowdy, teargas was unleashed irresponsibly on the public; children in schools were not spared. What was supposed to be a peaceful way of expressing grievances, erupted into an orgy of indiscriminate violence as riots broke out across the country.  Batons, canes, dogs, more teargas and eventually live ammunition were used against civilians. Hundreds were injured and several unarmed men, women and children were killed by armed security forces. Officials responded by attempting to sanitize the use of disproportionate force to quell demonstrations; this further decimated Ugandan citizens’ sense of safety.

 

The economic hardships, escalating violence, unreasonable responses, growing intolerance and the abnegation of responsibilities towards the women, men and children of Uganda captured the attention of both local and international media. Different versions of recent events have been presented, some of which have proved to be grossly inaccurate and intentionally untruthful.

 

Rather than sit back in fear and watch the seemingly auto-exacerbating chaos consume their country, the women of Uganda decided to intervene.

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FIDA Uganda joined other organizations under an umbrella group called Uganda Women’s Civil Society Organizations to organize and participate in the Women’s Vigil for Peace. All participants were to be dressed in white; colors associated with political parties were to be avoided. Clearance was given by the Inspector General of Police. Hundreds of women turned up in white, carrying symbolic pots and saucepans. After congregating on a playground, the women offered prayers in three different languages. A band lead the procession as women marched in an orderly fashion through the streets of Kampala carrying placards and banners that read “Women of Uganda Want Peace”,  “Respect Women’s Bodies During Arrest” , “Stop Shooting Our Babies”, “For a Country Without Bread, Bullets Cannot be Food”, “Stop Police Brutality”, “Stop Lies! Ugandans Need Facts to be Hopeful” , “Fuel Prices Must Go Down” and “Free Rights Defenders”. The unmistakable clanging of pots and saucepans was in symphony with the band. The sun was unforgiving, but the women were determined to continue marching and have their messages seen and heard. As they marched, the women received support from onlookers, many of whom joined in the march. Local and international media took photos and conducted interviews with several women during the march.

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After the march, several women were given the opportunity to express themselves and they did an excellent job of projecting the voices of the women of Uganda. A large peace circle was formed and the women danced as they waited for the guest of honor, Ms. Margaret Ssekaggya (United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders). Ms. Stella Mukasa read the full statement prepared by Uganda Women’s Civil Society Organizations, to be presented to Ms. Ssekaggya. On arrival, Ms. Ssekaggya was welcomed and presented with the statement.  After Ms. Ssekaggya received the statement, Ms. Birgit Gerstenberg from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights commended the women for marching and promised to relay the message to Geneva.

 

Below is the statement delivered to Ms. Margaret Ssekaggya.

 

Over the last few weeks, we have witnessed a series of disturbing events in which we have seen the State and its law enforcement agencies respond in a brutal and often excessive manner to citizens’ demands for government action to address increased prices, cost of living, growing poverty, inequality in distribution of resources and corruption.

During this period, the Police and other security agencies have sought to quell demonstrations under the ‘Walk to Work’ Campaign using live ammunition and copious amounts of tear gas resulting in the loss of life, injuries to persons, and destruction of property. We have seen our sisters, brothers, and children affected in various ways with many still nursing injuries in hospital and others arrested and imprisoned, some without charge. In some incidences, sections of the public have exploited the volatile situation to break the law further spawning a downward spiral of violence both in Kampala and in other towns upcountry.

The shooting to death of two-year old Juliana Nalwanga in Masaka, seven-month pregnant Ms. Nalwendo in the stomach and the brutal arrest and treatment of demonstrators and some bystanders are but some of the horrific incidents that have shocked us and invoked unease and a range of reactions from various sections of Uganda’s population and international actors including the Inter Religious Council, the Uganda Law Society and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

While the State has a duty to ensure law and order, the State is also obliged to respect, promote, protect, and fulfill the rights of its citizens as enshrined in the 1995 Constitution and other regional and international treaties to which Uganda is a signatory.*  In attempting to fulfill its obligations in the last few weeks, the State has instead used excessive force resulting in the infringement of some of the fundamental rights enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Constitution including the right to life, the freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, right to access prompt, fair and timely justice and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment.

We are also deeply concerned about the suffering that has been occasioned by the escalating food and fuel prices.  Many women, men and children are subsequently unable to meet their basic needs and enjoy their basic right to food, education, health and shelter. While we recognize the myriad of causes behind the current crisis, we also wish to express our profound disappointment with government’s indifference, exhibited by the lack of urgent action to curb the situation and apparent disregard of pressing priorities in allocation of government expenditure.

We as Women in Civil Society are hereby convening to register our deep concern and condemnation on the use of excessive force by the Police and other security agencies and subsequent escalating violence and to call upon the State to take critical measures to address the key issues/ concerns raised by the public so as to avert a national crisis. In particular, we wish to register our deep concern of:

1.    The use of excessive force and especially the use of live ammunition to quell demonstrations, indiscriminate physical assaults on civilians, spraying of vast amounts of tear gas in closed spaces including cars, schools, dispensaries and homes occasioning loss of life and property, severe injuries and pain among innocent children, by standers, those at work and urban dwellers. We are greatly concerned that rather than enjoy state protection, citizens are preoccupied with defending themselves against its wrath.

2.    The brutality of officers of the Uganda Police Force and other security operatives in handling the “Walk to Work” campaign which amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment for those that were arrested.

3.    The intimidation of human rights defenders who have spoken out on various issues of concern including the declining space for engagement.

4.    Censorship of the media and a curtailing of press freedom and freedom of expression, including intimidation and security threats to journalists and media houses carrying out their duty as a watchdog of the state and provider of information to the public.

5.    he increased erosion of the independence of the three arms of government  and lack of . The actions and decisions of some judicial officers which cast doubt in the minds of the public on whether justice is being done. We are equally concerned that contrary to the public appeal for the perpetrators of violence to be brought to justice, the Minister for Internal Affairs has instead defended the use of brutal force. Such responses from government risk promoting impunity.

6.    The increased militarization of the State and use of armed forces to enforce law and order and quell peaceful protests which heightens risks of violent conflict and will affect the entire population of Uganda including men, women and children.

We as women’s civil society organisations are calling upon the Government to respect, promote, protect, and fulfill the rights of its citizens as enshrined in the 1995 Constitution and exercise restraint in fulfilling its obligations. Government must recognize that the language of force and violence alienates more then 50% of Uganda’s population – the women and diminishes our initiative to exercise our civic duties within the public sphere.

We are calling upon Government to take proactive measures to address broader social justice issues, and ensure that key concerns voiced by various sections of the public are addressed. We demand for strong policy measures to address issues food security, unemployment, health and education. We also demand for government’s resolve to ensure greater transparency in the allocation and management of public resources, reduction of excessive government expenditure and equitable distribution of benefits of economic growth to all the citizens of Uganda.

We are formally submitting an appeal to the Government and to the International Community through the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights defenders (UNSR) requesting for thorough, prompt and impartial investigations into the human rights violations committed by the security forces.

Finally, we are calling upon the public to remain peaceful in the pursuit of various rights and to desist from violent actions. We are also calling for national dialogue between key parties and urge all stakeholders including the regional and international community to intervene in ensuring peace and justice prevails in Uganda.

UGANDA WOMEN’S CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

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*These treaties include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women, the African Charter on Human And Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights in Africa.

 

In sharp contrast to recent demonstrations, the Women’s Vigil for Peace was conducted without incident. The Uganda Police was thanked for their peaceful presence and support during the march. The Women’s Vigil for Peace successfully delivered a message in a clear and non-partisan manner; “The Women of Uganda demand peace!”

 

Photos from the Women’s Vigil for Peace may be found on FIDA Uganda’s web gallery on Picasa, as well as on FIDA Uganda’s facebook page.

 

Videos from the Women’s Vigil for Peace may be found on FIDA Uganda’s YouTube channel.

FIDA Uganda recently launched a series titled “Don’t Suffer in Silence” as part of a campaign against domestic violence.  Domestic violence is typically hidden in the private domain where it is kept as a shameful secret, forcing victims to suffer in silence. The “Don’t Suffer in Silence” series seeks to extract the topic of domestic violence from the secrecy of homes by influencing the conscience of the public towards taking responsibility for the reality of domestic violence.

 

In the “Don’t Suffer in Silence” series, four members of a family that had been suffering in silence were given the opportunity to speak out against domestic violence; a victimized wife, a traumatized child, a frustrated husband, and a saddened grandfather. Each family member’s voice illustrates how domestic violence affects entire families; wives, husbands, children, and grandparents, as well as entire communities; schools, workplaces, neighborhoods. In the series, a lawyer from FIDA Uganda also describes her experiences with the domestic violence cases she has handled while working at FIDA Uganda. The “Don’t Suffer in Silence” series is designed to challenge mindsets, influence public discourse on the topic of domestic violence, and offer hope to those who have been silently trapped by domestic violence.

 

The series presents a more sober approach to the topic of domestic violence, which has often been treated lightly by Ugandan media. The “Don’t Suffer in Silence” series has been screened on television in Uganda, and the audio version of the series has been aired on radio in Uganda. Both the television and radio campaigns have already began generating candid discussions on domestic violence among members of the public; which is one of the desired effects of the campaign.

 

The closed-captioned videos are available on FIDA Uganda’s YouTube channel, in high definition.

The videos may also be viewed below, together with their transcripts.

 

• A victimized wife speaks out

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I can control a classroom of naughty youngsters.

I can manage my teacher’s salary and juggle my small businesses to meet my family needs.

I am a respected member of my community, and many people turn to me for advice to solve their problems.

But the truth is, I am failing in my home.

I’ve been married for ten years.

But I have only one precious daughter.

My husband blames me for the three miscarriages I’ve had… all boys.

I feel humiliated and guilty when he beats me in front of our girl.

I want to be a valued wife and mother.

 

 

• A traumatized child speaks out

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I’m ten years old, but I still wet my bed.

It’s so embarrassing. It got worse when my dad started beating up my mom.

Once, she couldn’t go to work because she cracked her rib when she fell against the kitchen table.

The worst is going back to school, because I fear leaving my mom alone.

Also, I hate school because the girls bully me and call me ‘smelly mattress’.

Only my mom understands me, but even she gets annoyed when I don’t do well in class.

My dad just ignores me.

I worry that when I return home for holidays, I won’t find her there.

I don’t want to be scared anymore.

 

• A frustrated husband speaks out

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I was proud that my wife had a job, and her own thriving small business.

She never asked me for money for extra needs.

Now I’ve lost my job, and it’s me asking for money.

I can’t even afford the taxi fare to go to town and look for work.

I feel so ashamed.

The first time I hit her, I hadn’t returned home for a week.

I had been drinking with my friends, and the look she gave me made me furious.

Her brother is angry with me.

He used to be my friend.

But now he says the next time it happens, he’s reporting me to the police.

And the worst part is that I can’t control myself in front of our daughter.

I want my family to respect me, not fear me.

 

• A saddened grandfather speaks out

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My eldest son has always had a temper.

But I never expected him to beat up his wife.

We’d waited a long time for him to settle down.

Then Sanyu came into his life.

She brought us joy, especially after my granddaughter was born.

But, things changed when her businesses took off and she started coming home late.

My son was jealous and a row ended up in the first serious beating.

But, I never taught him to be violent.

Always told him to be respectful towards women, the way I am with his mother.

Now my daughter in law has threatened to go to the police the next time it happens.

This will bring shame on me, and my unmarried sons will be labeled potential wife-beaters.

I want a peaceful family.

 

• A FIDA Uganda lawyer speaks out

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When I started my job at FIDA, I was surprised about how common domestic violence is.

Imagine… it’s happening across all social backgrounds.

You probably know someone who is hiding this secret shame.

The concern of the men and women coming to see me is how they can keep the problem out of the courts.

At FIDA, we believe that counseling and expert legal advice is the best way to confront the cancer of domestic violence destroying so many homes.

I want to help you lift the sadness in your home.

 

 

 

FIDA Uganda wishes to thank the Austrian Development Cooperation for making the “Don’t Suffer in Silence” series possible. FIDA Uganda also wishes to thank UN WOMEN under the UN Joint Program on Gender Based Violence supported by the Government of Norway for making it possible to screen the series on television in Uganda.

 

Your comments and feedback on the “Don’t Suffer in Silence” campaign are most welcome.

On Monday 17 May 2010, FIDA Uganda traveled to Kabale District to conduct legal awareness sessions in local communities, and to investigate women's rights and entitlements in marriage among the Bakiga. The five member team from Kampala on the assignment included Maureen Agaba, Sam Kazibwe, Hope Chigudu, Tomu Maphosa and Steven Manyindo. Julie, the sixth team member, is one of FIDA Uganda's legal aid officers based in Mbarara. Read the rest of this entry »

In 2006 married couple CF and CM acquired 3 hectares of land. For two years they vigorously farmed the land. However, when the harvesting season arrived CM threw CF off the land and forbade her and her children from accessing any food from the plantations and gardens they had developed together. CF resorted to working on other people’s farms to sustain herself and her children earning only a meager income. Read the rest of this entry »

AZ and WZ had been married for over 38 years and had three children. During the subsistence of their marriage, they acquired numerous properties to which AZ made financial and non financial contributions. The properties however were solely registered in WZ’ names. In the 18th year of their marriage, WZ started a relationship with another woman and had four children with her. Consequently he left WZ and started cohabiting with his mistress in a house which he had jointly acquired with AZ. Read the rest of this entry »