Kabale:Women and youth in Kabale Municipality have been urged to understand and safeguard their rights as part of ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at promoting empowerment across the country.
The call was made during an engagement held at Manhattan Hotel, where participants discussed key challenges affecting women and young people, including unemployment, harsh conditions in police custody, and domestic violence.
The session was led by Macklean Batware, Chairperson of the Legal Chat Room, who encouraged participants to protect their right to life and guard against exploitation and abuse. She emphasized the importance of self-empowerment, noting that employment among young people not only supports families but also fosters a positive mindset for building a better future.
“Empowerment begins with understanding your rights and taking responsibility for your future,” Batware said.
Trust Kyomugisha, Secretary for the Legal Chat Room in Western Uganda, highlighted persistent cases of domestic violence and neglect affecting women, even within marriage. She stressed that stable families are essential for national development, while unstable ones hinder progress.
Kyomugisha urged young people, particularly men, to only enter marriage when they are ready to take on family responsibilities. She also encouraged couples to formalize their unions legally, noting that legal marriage protects women’s rights and reduces vulnerability.
“Without a legally recognized marriage, a woman may have no say in family decisions, including property ownership,” she explained, adding that women should acquire property in their own names to safeguard their assets.
Human rights defender Barnabas Tugumisirize condemned the continued rise in domestic violence, despite government interventions, warning that such abuse has led to serious psychological harm and, in some cases, death.
Meanwhile, Winne Twinomugisha, a former Woman Member of Parliament for Ntungamo District, highlighted the challenges faced by women in custody. She cited a lack of sanitary pads, inadequate healthcare—especially for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers—and limited access to clean water. She also criticized workplace discrimination, including unequal job opportunities and pay disparities, emphasizing that women are equally capable and deserve fair treatment.
Participants, including Promise Byonanebye, Anaklet Naturinda, and Ainamazima Nimusiima, welcomed the engagement, saying it had empowered them with knowledge about their rights. They called on fellow women to speak up and advocate for themselves, while urging youth to embrace available job opportunities rather than remain unemployed.
The engagement underscored the importance of advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community dialogue in promoting human rights, empowering women and youth, and strengthening families and communities across Uganda.
ENDS
