The Women's March has reached Uganda.
Activists have grown tired of the increasing number of sexual assaults, kidnappings, and murders against women in the country. On Saturday, June 30, hundreds of women and men took to the streets to protest the lack of concern paid to this issue.
Global Voices reports an estimated 42 women have been assaulted, murdered or kidnapped in and around Uganda's capital Kampala. Authorities have found some of the women in situations were sexual violence occurred.
What's even more alarming is that several murders have been connected to claims of witchcraft in the country.
The #WomenMarchUG is on and yes the women are chatting…we want protection . #WomenLivesMatterUG
pic.twitter.com/wfpbas4jru— Tel (@HiRolla1) June 30, 2018
With the help of Women’s Protest Working Group (WPWG) and other feminists, the march was a call to action. Activists are demanding women become a priority for police.
For Joan Namazzi and the 41 women who's names were plastered across our headlines because they had been found dead. We remember you! #WomensMarchUG
#WomenLivesMatterUG
pic.twitter.com/TZvXvcSWx2— SHANINE (@sha9ne) June 30, 2018
"This serves to inform you that the intended demonstration to raise awareness, express displeasure about the spate of killings and kidnap of women/girls cannot be allowed to go on as scheduled," John Nuwagira, the police commissioner, wrote in a letter of support.
Today Ugandans have stood on the right side of history by turning up in big numbers at the #WomensMarchUg#WomenLivesMatterUG@WomensProtestUG
pic.twitter.com/vPcyngOi19— Eunice Musiime (@musiimee) June 30, 2018
I march because
["TEXT ME WHEN YOU GET HOME"]
means more now, than it did yesterday.#WomensLivesMatterUG#WomensMarchUG
pic.twitter.com/GSOfHeFtdP— So Severe ???????? (@severelyours) June 30, 2018
And so I March. To remember them, they were not given any justice and no one was held accountable for their gruesome deaths. But I recognize them. I think about them, the families and friends they left behind with no closure, but fear and anger. #WomensMarchUG
pic.twitter.com/r3ZQc6zXhW— SHANINE (@sha9ne) June 29, 2018
Efforts to improve the country's security for women have been announced by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. His 10-point plan has been met with mixed reactions.
