Women in Masaka Diocese have been urged to stand firm in defending the rights of young girls who fall victim to violence, including rape and defilement, and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The call was made during the celebrations to mark International Women’s Day held at Kabuwoko Parish in Lutunga Sub-parish, where women gathered to reflect on their achievements, challenges, and renew their commitment to community development.
Speaking at the event, Dorothy Balojja, the leader of women in Masaka Diocese, said the day should inspire women to strengthen their role in protecting vulnerable members of society, particularly young girls who face increasing cases of defilement and physical abuse.
Balojja expressed concern that many such cases fail to reach the courts because some parents choose to settle them privately with offenders in exchange for money. She strongly condemned the practice, noting that it leaves the victims with lifelong trauma, untreated infections, and in some cases pregnancies without support.
She urged women to familiarize themselves with the law and know where to report such crimes so that justice can be served and girls protected from further harm.
The Parish Priest of Kabuwoko, Rev. Fr. Kito Expediti, encouraged women to take up leadership positions both in the Church and in government. However, he cautioned them against the “what’s in it for me” mentality, saying leadership should be guided by service to the community rather than personal gain.
According to him, many leaders fail because they prioritize individual interests over the welfare of the people they serve, which ultimately slows down development.
Juliet Bulungu Nakabito, the women’s leader at Kabuwoko Parish, said the women have several development plans aimed at improving their livelihoods. These include starting piggery projects, making exercise books, and establishing a community banana plantation.
However, she explained that the group faces major challenges, including limited capital, lack of land for their projects, and the absence of a permanent meeting place. She appealed to well-wishers and people of goodwill to support their initiatives so they can improve the welfare of their families.
Guest speaker Beatrice Kibirige encouraged women to take care of their health and personal hygiene, noting that it is unfortunate when someone is rushed to hospital in dirty or worn-out clothes due to poor preparation. She advised women to always maintain cleanliness and dignity.
Kibirige also emphasized the importance of fighting hunger and poverty through agriculture, urging women to take the lead in farming so that their families, especially children, have enough food and live healthy lives. She encouraged women to work hard so they can afford basic household needs such as soap, salt, and airtime.
She further called on mothers to raise God-fearing children and instill in them the value of hard work. According to her, over-pampering children often leads to irresponsibility and failure in life.
Kibirige also encouraged women to remain prayerful in order to overcome family challenges such as adultery, separation, alcoholism, and lack of respect within marriage.
