Assessing the challenges faced in the control of girl child defilement: a study of two NGOs in Kampala District, Uganda.

Abstract

The study was on defilement and the general objective was to examine the challenges faced in the control of girl child defilement. The research was carried out in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, Uganda. Two NGOs took a centre stage where the research was carried out that is (ANPPCAN) and Hope after Rape (HAR) and the Handle Girl Child defilement. The significance of this research was to understand the dynamics and complexities of the increasing number of girl children being defiled. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data collection tools. These included structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, interview guide and observation in order to get in-depth and balanced information. Among the research findings they include; Loss of competence from police, corruption, long procedures of court, lack of cooperation between parents and authorities, the age of the girl, limited facilities of officers following the case, medical examination, poverty, cultures, most of the defilers are known to the abused girl The research discovered that girls are defiled right from the ages of 3 months to 17 years. However the common age of defilement is 12-17 years. In most cases defilers are known to the victim. Among the defilers include; step fathers, relatives, religious leaders, domestic employees, boda bodas, teachers and others. More so research discovered that some parents take defilement as an opportunity to get wealth hence many cases go unreported and not prosecuted. Cases are reported after the two parties have failed to agree but even those reported are always withdrawn from police for amicable solutions. This means that the victims do not get justice. The study recommends government to fight against corruption from its institutions like police force and the judiciary The Government should also facilitate police offices and court to follow up cases appropriately, train more police surgeons and deploy them in different areas taking services near to people at the grass-root. More sensitization and counseling should be encouraged by NGOs but they also need support from both the government and the population. Such programs should be for all concerned parties which may include; girl children, parents, teachers LC officials, police officers. The Government should train more women police officers handling crimes like defilement and they should be trained with skills of handling children. Training of more police surgeons and allowing clinics/hospitals to carry out medical examination to the defiled girls immediately before first hand evidence is destroyed. The researcher recommends that; investigation of sensitive cases need psychologists, pediatricians, social workers and a conducive environment for the children. Legislature should enact and commend tough/strict laws to pin the offender and laws must be practical to implementers / enforcers. The judiciary should also try and make court cases faster so that complainants do not lose interest in cases. And Magistrate courts should also be allowed to handle defilement cases to reduce on the accumulated cases in high court.