EALA legislator moots Bill to curb FGM in East Africa

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In a move to tackle the widespread issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) in East Africa, Jacquiline Amongi, Uganda’s representative to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), is set to introduce a private members’ Bill aimed at creating a regional legal framework to eradicate the practice.

FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organisation says the practice has no health benefits for girls and women and causes severe bleeding, problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.

EALA has commenced its two-week sitting and outreach meetings in Kampala, Uganda, where the proposal is expected to be discussed.

Advocates, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society leaders, argue that the fight against FGM requires a concerted regional approach. While Uganda has passed legislation prohibiting FGM, enforcement remains a challenge. In some cases, practitioners travel across borders to neighbouring countries, such as Kenya, to continue the harmful practice, undermining local laws.

Amongi, in an exclusive interview with New Vision Online, on Monday (October 21, 2024) at Uganda's Parliament emphasized the need for a regional solution: “There is significant cross-border FGM in this region”. 

“If we pass this Bill at the EALA level, once it is assented to by the heads of state, it will become law across all member countries, with clearly defined penalties for offenders.”

The proposed legislation would apply to all six East African Community (EAC) member states: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan. 

George Odongo, another EALA representative from Uganda, expressed his strong backing for the Bill by pointing out that once passed, the law would hold across the entire region, creating a unified front against FGM.

Although Uganda and other East African nations have laws that ban FGM, the practice persists, often in secret, due to cultural traditions. These underground activities continue to devastate the lives of young girls and women, limiting their opportunities and risking their health and well-being.

Investigations are important

In a separate event, Innocent Tushabe, the regional programme coordinator at Uganda’s gender ministry, stressed the importance of investigating cases of FGM thoroughly.

“We need to differentiate between self-inflicted and forced FGM when prosecuting cases,” Tushabe said. 

“While Kenya is considered the epicentre of FGM in the region, the country’s laws remain poorly enforced. A uniform legal framework across East Africa is critical.”

Tushabe called for better medical services for FGM survivors and more stringent penalties for traditional practices that mutilate women, such as those seen in Uganda’s Ankole region. Leaders from the Karamoja region echoed these sentiments, advocating for secure shelters and school dormitories to protect girls at risk. They highlighted the importance of empowering vulnerable girls with the necessary skills to safeguard their futures.

Karimojong girls at risk

Jennifer Aguti Ajiji, the executive director of the National Association of Women in Uganda (NAWOU), pointed to Karamoja as one of the areas where girls remain most vulnerable to FGM.

“We need dedicated funding to support FGM survivors, including safe spaces and resources for these girls during school holidays,” Ajiji said. “Many are married off or subjected to mutilation once they return home.”

Ajiji praised the support from international partners which have been instrumental in providing resources for the fight against FGM. 

Merab Aloisikin, a programme officer at NAWOU, emphasized the importance of changing community attitudes toward FGM, noting that the organisation has been offering food and scholastic materials to girls to encourage them to remain in school, building dormitories for school girls, especially in Karamoja and avoid the harmful practice.

“We have a long way to go, but with stronger laws and concerted regional efforts, we can protect countless girls from this horrific practice,” Aloisikin said.