A Critical Overview of Gender-based Violence in Uganda

The major causes of Gender & Sexual based violence in Uganda are poverty, social inequality and a deeply patriarchal society, which manifests in sexual violence, physical violence, emotional and psychological violence, harmful cultural practices and socio- economic violence. Harmful Traditional Practices which includes female genital mutilation (FGM) which is cutting of genital organs for non-medical reasons, usually done at a young age is common. There is also the denial of education for girls or women, removing girls from school, prohibiting or obstructing access of girls and women to basic technical, professional or scientific knowledge. Female Refugees including lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) are not exempt from the pangs of this violence. These refugees are spread in the urban and rural areas of Uganda. Risk related to livelihoods, Familial violence, risk in and around homes are places where refugees are most at risk.