By Catherine Apolot
Deputy Inspector General of Police Brig Muzeyi Sabiiti has said the force should be gender responsive if they are to offer required justice to both women and girls.
He said police can only attain its aspiration of ensuring access to justice for all, particularly women and girls, when it is a gender responsive institution in its structures, internal practices and policing services.
“Uganda Police Force has taken steps to address specific gender issues in policing in Uganda and internal concerns regarding discrimination, lack of opportunity, and equality for women and men who serve in the Force,” Brig Sabiiti said in a speech read for him by the Deputy Director Special Duties, Denis Odwong Odongopiny during the official launch of the Force’s Gender Policy at Railways Grounds, Kampala, on Friday.
“The adoption of this Gender Policy is therefore an opportunity to have more targeted, structured and consistent intervention to make the Uganda Police Force, a more gender responsive and gender equal institution,” He said.
Brig Sabiiti further noted that Police will have to review its human resources practices in order to work towards an end to violence, particularly against women and girls.
“We are cognizant of the fact that there are many issues that need to be addressed that require the UPF to start from the basics, such as increasing the number and visibility of women in the Force and implementing affirmative action measures to increase their participation in decision making,” he said.
UN women Country Representative, Dr. Maxime Houinato pledged to continue working with Uganda Police in strengthening gender issues in country.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
