Media fraternity in Acholi rallied to combat gender based violence

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Stakeholders have called on the media fraternity in Acholi sub-region to intensify efforts in combating gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic violence using their various platforms.

These vices remain prevalent not only in Acholi but across the country, raising concerns among stakeholders, including the police, local leaders, and civil society organisations.

The 2024 Police Annual Crime Report revealed that Uganda registered 14,073 domestic violence cases that year, a slight decrease from the 14,681 cases recorded in 2023.

Yusuf Muziransa, the senior information and communication officer at the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), urged journalists in Acholi sub-region to use their platforms to transform public attitudes towards girls and women.

He also called on the media to advocate for funding to help curb these vices and to explore intersectional drivers of GBV, such as race and disabilities.

Muziransa made these remarks during a media engagement at Kitgum District Council Hall on March 12, 2025. The event, organised by the Equal Opportunities Commission, brought together Kitgum-based journalists, local leaders, and police representatives.

Ben Okae, the Aswa East Region Police Commander, noted that GBV cases are most prevalent in Kitgum Matidi and Orom in Kitgum district, with physical and sexual violence being the most reported forms.

He commended the media for its role in addressing GBV but urged a shift from reactive reporting to proactive coverage focused on prevention.

"We want to inculcate confidence among the locals to report gender-based violence and domestic violence cases for appropriate action to be taken, and we want the media to support us in this initiative," he said.

Isaac Mugera, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officer for Kitgum district, revealed that most murders in the district stem from domestic violence, often exacerbated by alcohol abuse among couples.

He added that cases tend to spike during harvesting periods, as disputes arise over control of agricultural produce.

"My recommendation is that the media should empower local leaders, like village chairpersons, to take a more active role in combating these vices," he said.

John Titus Onekalit, the labour officer for Kitgum Municipality, pointed out that the municipality lacks a dedicated gender officer, forcing community development officers to handle referrals of GBV and domestic violence cases to the police.

However, he criticised some women for hindering efforts to combat GBV by failing to follow up on cases or pleading for the release of perpetrators.

"This is the kind of mindset that the media should help us to change," he said.

Meanwhile, Dan Komakech, a freelance journalist based in Kitgum, pledged on behalf of the district’s media fraternity to continue advocating against GBV and domestic violence.

However, he highlighted the ongoing challenge of limited access to information from relevant authorities, including the police.