The newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lino Anguzu, has urged for stronger partnerships, increased reporting, and shared responsibility in addressing violence against women and girls.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) under the global theme UNITE to End All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls, Anguzu emphasized that the campaign presents a crucial opportunity for the public to understand the role of the prosecution service in ensuring justice.
“We as an Office are grateful for partners who have come to join us in helping the public understand the work we do,” he said, acknowledging the support of the Irish Embassy and the International Justice Mission (IJM) for the initiative.
Anguzu underscored that GBV cannot be addressed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) alone.
“We understand that in responding to cases of GBV, we cannot handle it alone. We therefore thank all our partners who are here today to show solidarity,” he said.
He further highlighted the ODPP’s constitutional mandate under Article 120, noting that the institution prosecutes all criminal cases outside the Court Martial. The DPP emphasized the Office’s central role in administering justice, maintaining law and order, and promoting human rights, aligned with Uganda Vision 2040 and the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS) framework.
Despite legislative progress, Anguzu noted that sexual and gender-based violence remains widespread in Uganda.
“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence continues to be on the increase, as reflected in the large number of cases handled at the Office of the DPP and those that finally end in court,” he said.
He revealed that rape and aggravated defilement dominate High Court sessions, while many spousal murder cases often begin as unreported domestic violence incidents.
“Most of the heinous spousal murder cases that we have handled started as cases of domestic violence which went unaddressed,” he said, cautioning that ODPP data shows that up to 70 percent of criminal cases reported to police and later prosecuted are GBV-related.
Anguzu also warned that stigma, fear of retaliation, and poor attitudes by some justice actors often prevent victims from reporting crimes.
“Because GBV crimes are associated with shame, trauma, and stigmatization, we want to assure the public of our support. Don’t die in silence,” he said.
This year’s campaign also emphasizes digital and online forms of violence. Research indicates that 68 percent of children with disabilities and 59 percent of those without have experienced online abuse.
“Some of these offences include cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and child pornography. Offences such as defilement and rape often start online, with perpetrators using false accounts. We therefore call upon all members of the public to report all forms of violence to enable us to hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
Recent police crime reports indicate that over the past three years, more than 10,000 domestic violence cases, 14,846 sex-related offenses, and 10,741 child-related crimes have been recorded annually.
The DPP’s call comes as Uganda joins the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, urging citizens, civil society, and institutions to unite in the fight to protect women and girls from all forms of violence.