KAMPALA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's ministry of gender, labor and social development on Tuesday issued a stern warning to perpetrators of domestic violence against women and children during the COVID-19 period.
Frank Tumwebaze, minister of gender, labor and social development told reporters here that there has been an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) as the country is under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"Some of these cases have already claimed lives of Ugandans even before COVID-19 does so," Tumwebaze said, noting that between March 30 and April 28, a total of 3,280 cases of GBV were reported to police.
This is in addition to 283 cases of Violence Against Children, according to the ministry.
Tumwebaze said those found guilty would face the law.
"These acts of violence degrade the dignity of humanity and are therefore unacceptable. The perpetrators of this vice must be dealt with decisively and in a timely manner in accordance with the law," the minister said.
He urged law enforcement agencies like the police to act tough against GBV.
Uganda instituted a 35-day lockdown, which ends on May 5, to curb the spread of COVID-19. The country currently has 79 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and of these 47 have been discharged after successful treatment, according to the ministry of health. Enditem
