The State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, has said that rapists and defilers should never be given bail once arrested.
Balaam made these remarks while addressing members of the press at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on October 11, 2024, while commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child.
Barugahara said that all those accused of rape and defilement should not be given bail by courts of law, nor should it also be considerate.
“Even the judiciary should stop being insensitive, a monster of that nature impregnating and sleeping with your own child; you don’t even deserve to get bail,” Barugahara said.
Barugahara also urged parents to be the first support system for their daughters and protect them from any form of violence and assault.
“The first person to protect a child is the parent and the community, inclusive of all religious leaders; you all have a role to play in protecting the girl child,“ Barugahara added.
The Plan International Programs Director Christopher Kugonza said that as Uganda commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child, the country and all stakeholders should focus on working together to make sure the future of the girl child is secured and protected.
“The call to action is to urge the government of Uganda to work with civil society organizations, religious leaders, opinion leaders, and other actors to address issues affecting girls in Uganda, such as protection from violence, good education, and good health,” Kugonza said.
This year’s International Day for the Girl Child theme is “Girls vision for the future, and according to Emily Acheng, a 13-year-old girl from Mutungo parents primary school, the year’s theme asks Ugandans not to think about the present but also about the future that girls dream of and what support is needed for the girls to achieve those dreams.
“We have a lot of challenges, such as defilement, forced marriages, teenage pregnancies, dropping out of school, and many others, but we need support from the community to let us achieve our dreams. We also dream of a future where we can finish school without fear of forced marriages, early pregnancy, and school dropout,” Acheng said.
According to recent statistics by Plan International, over 24% of young girls have given birth between the ages of 13 and 19 years, especially in rural areas.
Many researchers attribute the early teenage pregnancies and forced child marriages to poverty, which forces many parents to exchange their children for little gifts and small cash.
The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated on October 11th, aims to raise awareness about the challenges girls face globally, such as gender inequality, lack of education, and health disparities. It serves as a platform to advocate for girls’ rights, promote their empowerment, and highlight the importance of gender equality. By celebrating the achievements of girls and fostering global solidarity, the day encourages action to improve their lives and ensure they have the opportunities they deserve.
