The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) has raised concern over the continuous persistence of gender-based violence, with most of those affected being women and girls with disabilities. This comes as the country winds up International Women’s Month celebrations. NUDIPU demands more interventions from the government and other stakeholders.

As the country winds up the International Women’s Month celebrations, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) has raised concern for the continuous persistence of gender-based violence, with most being affected being women and girls with disabilities.

While addressing journalists today at NUDIPU offices in Bukoto, John Chris Ninsiima, director of programs in the union, said that the study that was carried out by NUDIPU in 2024 showed that 90% of the gender-based violence perpetrators were men and boys without disabilities and 65% of the most affected individuals with GBV were women and girls with disabilities.

Ninsiima adds that there are still many barriers in accessing gender-based violence prevention and response services, citing an example of communication and information barriers, physical and environmental barriers, and discrimination and stigma, among others.

Brendah Khasalamwa, project officer for the Uganda National Association of the Blind, also raised the issue of persons with disabilities encountering the challenge of accessing free legal services in case of any gender-based violence cases, like child neglect, among others.

Ninsiima says that the government should integrate gender-based violence prevention in all its programs. Women and girls with disabilities should be fully integrated in the existing sexual reproductive health services.