Tororo District Marks 16 Days of Activism with Call to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls
Tororo, Uganda – December 10, 2025
As the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) concluded on International Human Rights Day, Tororo District leaders, civil society organizations, and community members gathered to raise awareness under the theme: “Let’s Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Vincent Oguti, the Tororo District Community Development Officer, applauded partners for their support throughout the campaign, which began on November 25 with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. He emphasized that while physical violence such as rape, sexual assault, and domestic abuse remains prevalent, digital violence is rapidly rising and often goes unreported, leading to further harm offline.
Oguti urged survivors to report cases without fear whether to local leaders, police, community development officers, probation officers, or trusted friends. He highlighted the Computer Misuse Act of 2022 as a key legal tool to protect victims of online abuse, including cyberbullying, revenge pornography, and online harassment.
Uganda continues to grapple with high rates of gender-based violence. According to a 2025 policy brief by the Economic Policy Research Centre, 75% of domestic violence victims in Uganda are women, yet only 32% of GBV survivors seek help. Reporting rates remain low 14% for physical violence and just 5% for sexual violence due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and limited access to justice.
Julius Oburu of UGANET (Uganda Network on Law, Ethics and HIV/AIDS) encouraged women to be vigilant, protect their digital privacy, and limit the sharing of personal data to avoid online exploitation. He emphasized the importance of digital literacy in preventing abuse.
Representing the district chairperson, Hon. Molly Cheria, Secretary for Works, urged women to become agents of positive change rather than conduits of misinformation. She highlighted the critical role women play in combating cybercrime and praised the men who attended the event, calling them “goodwill ambassadors” in the fight against digital violence.
Hajji Bategana Sadik, the Resident District Commissioner of Tororo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He cited the NRM government’s efforts, including ensuring that every district in Uganda has a woman Member of Parliament to represent women’s interests in the national assembly. He also encouraged women to foster unity and uphold strong family values.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address emerging forms of violence, particularly in digital spaces. With Uganda’s GBV statistics painting a sobering picture, leaders called for greater community collaboration, legal enforcement, and survivor support systems to create a safer, more inclusive society for women and girls.
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