The world watched as Ugandan women demand justice for domestic abuse through coordinated, peaceful protests across cities such as Kampala, Jinja, and Mbarara. Dressed in black and carrying signs like “Abuse is Not Love” and “No More Silence,” these brave women sought visibility and justice for victims suffering in silence—many at the hands of powerful men in uniform and government positions.
Silenced by Force: Peaceful Protests Met with Brutality
Despite the peaceful and legal nature of the demonstrations, police forces responded with violence. Officers fired tear gas, beat protesters with batons, and made numerous arrests. More than 50 women were injured, some requiring hospitalization. Witnesses and journalists confirmed that the women were unarmed, nonviolent, and only seeking protection under Uganda’s laws.
“We just wanted to be heard,” one protester told local media.
“Instead, they hurt us—again.”
Systemic Failures in Domestic Abuse Response
The protests revealed glaring issues in how Uganda handles gender-based violence. Though the Domestic Violence Act of 2010 exists to protect women, its enforcement is often inconsistent or ignored entirely—especially when the accused holds political or military rank.
Challenges Victims Face:
- Reports dismissed or ignored at police stations
- Victims pressured to “settle things at home”
- Lack of shelters and affordable legal aid
- Fear of retaliation from abusers with influence
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2021), over 50% of married women have experienced physical or sexual abuse, yet very few of those cases reach court.
Police Accountability and Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations, including Chapter Four Uganda and the Uganda Women’s Network, swiftly condemned the violent police response and demanded an independent investigation. They called for:
- Accountability for officers who attacked peaceful protesters
- Protection of victims from harassment and state intimidation
- A formal government apology and legal reform
External Link: Human Rights Watch on Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
Civil Society’s Demands for Real Reform
The Ugandan women demand justice for domestic abuse not just through protest but through clear policy demands. Advocacy groups proposed:
- Mandatory training for all law enforcement on domestic violence
- Establishment of gender response units in every police station
- Increased funding for safe houses and trauma counseling
- Stricter enforcement of laws regardless of the perpetrator’s rank
A Movement That Won’t Be Silenced
The 2022 protests may have been violently suppressed, but they ignited a national conversation that can no longer be ignored. The actions of these women—many of whom are survivors themselves—spotlight a justice system in dire need of reform and a culture that must evolve to value the voices and lives of women.
As Ugandan women demand justice for domestic abuse, the question remains: Will the country finally listen?
