A Landmark Achievement for Women’s Rights in Arua City: SGBV Ordinance Officially Passed into Law

On November 4, 2024, Arua City Council passed the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Ordinance into law, a landmark achievement in the fight for women's rights and gender equity. This historic ordinance, spearheaded by the Strategic Initiative for the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network, along with key support from Selfless Compassion, a women-led organization based in Arua, aims to protect vulnerable populations against sexual and gender-based violence across various settings including workplaces, markets, schools, and public gatherings.

The ordinance marks a significant milestone for Selfless Compassion, which has tirelessly advocated for women's rights and gender mainstreaming. As part of SIHA Network, Selfless Compassion and other partner organizations attended the council’s sessions, witnessing firsthand the successful passage of the ordinance they championed.

^{Speaker Arua City Council Hon. Yako Teddy, Presiding Over the Sitting} 

The ordinance introduces comprehensive measures for addressing and preventing SGBV within Arua City. Among its key provisions are the establishment of SGBV desks in public markets, creation of safe spaces for survivors, mandatory SGBV training in schools, and the strict enforcement of safe-guarding policies in workplaces. 

The ordinance also holds cultural and community leaders accountable for promoting ethical practices, urging them to stand against harmful traditions and stereotypes.

Selfless Compassion Founder, Mrs. Oluru Josephine, expressed gratitude for witnessing such a pivotal development at a critical time:

"To me, it was a great opportunity to witness such a discussion at a point when Arua City is facing rampant gender-based violence across institutions, workplaces, markets, and social places. I deeply appreciate the SIHA Network and Arua City Council for their initiative in bringing this ordinance into law," she said.

^{In Picture Mrs. Oluru Josphine - Founder Member Selfless Compassion Initiative}

The ordinance received overwhelming support, with almost all councilors voting in favor. Dignitaries such as Mayor Hon. Wadri Sam Nyakua, the state attorney, city lawyer, RCC, assistant town clerk, and other key officials endorsed and celebrated this advancement. 

Mayor Wadri expressed the council's commitment to ensuring the ordinance’s robust implementation, calling it a crucial step forward for Arua City.

^{Women Market Vendors, WRO Partners & Councilors In Attendance}

Women market vendors, a particularly vulnerable group, voiced their appreciation for the ordinance's passage. Mrs. Joyce Oyeru, a market vendor from Mvara and chairperson of her local vendor association, shared her relief:

“This bill has come at the right time for us, as we work in open markets where we’ve faced SGBV acts from the community. It is a great plus for us as women market vendors in Arua City, and I hope other districts will follow suit. We travel to places like Vurra, Maracha, and Terego to bring goods, and this law will bring us much-needed protection."

^{Group Photo After The Passing Of The Ordnance}

Selfless Compassion, in collaboration with the SIHA Network and Arua City Council, will continue working closely with community leaders, local councils, and other organizations to ensure the ordinance is fully enacted and enforced. Training sessions, awareness campaigns, and regular check-ins with market SGBV desks are planned to support effective implementation.

This ordinance is more than just a law; it’s a commitment to creating a safe, just, and empowering environment for all. Selfless Compassion and SIHA Network look forward to witnessing positive changes in the lives of Arua City's residents, especially women, as they are assured the protection and support they deserve.

This victory is not just for Arua City but sets a hopeful precedent for communities across Uganda. Together with their partners, Selfless Compassion and SIHA Network have achieved a lasting legacy of empowerment and advocacy in the fight against gender-based violence.