The executive director of Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) Patricia Munabi has called upon government to allocate more funds to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) or continuously risk losing Ugx. 31 trillion annually.
Munabi made the call on December 6, 2024, during the launch of the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence at Protea Hotel in Kampala, aiming to address GBV in households and communities.
She explained that the losses come as a result of reduced productivity, premature deaths, teenage pregnancies, and the economic burden on both the infected and affected victims.
“Previously in 2020, our research showed that UGX.164 billion was lost in just two districts. And currently the study showed that Ugx.31 trillion is lost nationally,” Munabi said
She noted that as FODOWE they intend to engage different stakeholders like the Ministry of finance and Parliament as a way to lobby for more government funding.
“Other stakeholders like local governments have a role to play. We appreciate districts such as Kabale and Sheema for allocating a special budget for GBV awareness programs,” Munabi noted.
According to the report released by FOWEDE, Uganda is estimated to be losing Ugx. 31 trillion due to the unaddressed impact of GBV in households and communities.
The FOWODE report describes GBV as a pandemic which calls for collective efforts against the scourge.
“This is not just a women’s issue; it is a national economic crisis that demands urgent attention,” Munabi noted with concern.
The study also highlighted the long term effects of GBV which included school dropout due to early pregnancies and forced marriages which diminish the girls’ potential contribution to the economical development of the country.
Munabi acknowledged the government’s efforts in addressing gender-based violence but emphasized the need for more effective implementation strategies to ensure impactful outcomes.
