By Vicent Emong
KUMI — Assistant Commissioner of Police Babra Alungat has called for urgent and collective action to advance justice for women and girls, describing it as a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable development.
Alungat made the remarks while serving as chief guest during the belated International Women’s Day celebrations in Kumi District, where leaders, stakeholders, and community members gathered to reflect on progress and challenges in promoting gender equality.
In her address, Alungat emphasized that Uganda’s legal and development frameworks—including the Constitution, Vision 2040, and national policy commitments—underscore the importance of ensuring justice for women and girls at all levels of society.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, she reminded the audience that “the true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members,” urging communities to reflect on how women and girls are treated in everyday life.
She expressed concern over the high levels of gender-based violence in Uganda, noting that many cases remain unreported due to stigma, fear, and systemic barriers. “When a woman reports abuse, she is often ridiculed instead of supported. This not only damages individuals but weakens families, communities, and ultimately slows national development,” Alungat said.
Alungat stressed that even small steps toward justice can have a significant impact. “You may not give justice to all women, but giving justice to one woman can change her world—and that is how we build a better society,” she noted.
She also highlighted the economic importance of justice, explaining that when women are protected and treated fairly, they are more likely to participate in income-generating activities, contributing to household stability and national growth.
The Assistant Commissioner called for increased investment in justice and legal infrastructure in Kumi, including improved police responsiveness, better prison facilities, accessible courts, and strengthened probation services. She noted that such investments are essential in demonstrating real commitment to justice.
On economic empowerment, Alungat commended ongoing government programs and development partners supporting women through financial services, skills training, and agribusiness initiatives. She encouraged communities to strengthen savings groups and women-led enterprises to enhance financial independence.
She also urged continuous training for law enforcement officers and justice sector actors to ensure gender-sensitive handling of cases, while calling for stronger action against harmful practices such as early marriages and property grabbing, particularly affecting widows.
Addressing men and boys, Alungat emphasized their critical role in promoting justice and ending violence. “As fathers, brothers, husbands, and leaders, reject violence, challenge harmful stereotypes, and stand with women and girls,” she said.
She equally encouraged women and girls to speak up, organize themselves, and utilize available structures such as local councils, courts, and human rights bodies to seek justice whenever their rights are violated.
Alungat further noted that justice must begin at the household level. “How you treat your wife, your daughter, your tenant, or your student—that is where justice starts,” she said.
She identified corruption as a major barrier to justice and called on communities to actively confront it in all sectors, including public service and recruitment processes.
“Equality is good. Equity is important. But justice is the ultimate goal,” she emphasized.
In her closing remarks, Alungat called for unity and sustained efforts in advancing justice for women and girls, expressing confidence that with collective commitment, meaningful change can be achieved.
“Let us move forward together and make justice a reality for all women and girls,” she concluded
