Lady Justice Margaret Mutonyi of the Family Division and Uganda’s newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lino Anguzu, today led national efforts to raise awareness on gender-based violence (GBV) as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions marked the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The half-day event, held in Kampala, drew dozens of development partners, law enforcement bodies, civil society organisations, and child rights advocates, all united in their mission to create a violence-free society for women and children.
Justice Mutonyi and the DPP toured an exhibition of stalls showcasing tools, services, and innovations used by various stakeholders to prevent GBV and support survivors.
Exhibitors included the Uganda Police Force, Redeem International, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
At the Police stall, officers demonstrated how DNA testing is increasingly being used to strengthen investigations — linking perpetrators to crime scenes, exonerating the wrongly accused, and helping preserve the integrity of evidence.
Other stalls featured illustrated books, educational materials, and therapeutic toys designed to help child survivors communicate their experiences safely and without intimidation.
Development partners also used the platform to share personal safety tips, warning the public about a growing trend of perpetrators using drug-laced snacks, such as cookies, to incapacitate victims.
The event, which ran throughout the morning, underscores the ODPP’s commitment to amplifying the national call to prevent and eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.
Organisers said such multi-sectoral engagements are essential in ensuring that survivors receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate support while strengthening the country’s justice response to GBV.