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The bill seeks to address current trends in sexual violence, adopt international best practices, and strengthen legal protections for victims in Uganda
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By Our Reporter
PARLIAMENT – Soroti District Woman Representative, Hon. Anna Adeke, has presented a series of proposals in Parliament aimed at enhancing penalties for sexual offences, as part of the new Sexual Offences Bill, 2024. The bill seeks to address current trends in sexual violence, adopt international best practices, and strengthen legal protections for victims in Uganda.
The bill also proposes life imprisonment for anyone who intentionally engages in sexual contact with children
Among the key proposals is a five-year jail sentence for individuals found guilty of child grooming. According to Clause 25(1) of the bill, child grooming includes: (a) communicating with a child for the purpose of sexual gratification; (b) acts or omissions designed to secure the trust and cooperation of a child for sexual purposes; and (c) requesting, sending, or receiving materials of a sexual nature involving a child. Adeke further proposes, in Clause 25(3), that the consent of the child, parent, or guardian cannot be used as a defense in cases of child grooming.
The bill also proposes life imprisonment for anyone who intentionally engages in sexual contact with children. Under Clause 5(3), this includes touching or coming into contact with the sexual organs, breasts, buttocks, or thighs of a person under the age of 18, or compelling a child to do so. A lighter sentence of three years is proposed for individuals who commit similar acts without consent against adults.
Additionally, Adeke has called for exemptions in the case of breastfeeding mothers, performers in cultural dances, and medical professionals performing legitimate procedures from the three-year jail sentence for indecent exposure of sexual organs, breasts, or buttocks.
In a move to discourage the out-of-court settlement of sexual offences, Adeke has proposed a 10-year jail term for anyone who facilitates settlements of cases such as rape, defilement, and child grooming without the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This aims to prevent perpetrators from avoiding legal accountability.
Having sex in front of child will attract up to 5 years in prison
The bill also addresses obstruction of justice in sexual offence cases. Clause 39 proposes a five-year jail sentence for anyone who intimidates, harasses, or harms a victim or witness to prevent them from reporting or testifying in court. Adeke’s proposal criminalizes actions that interfere with justice, including discouraging witnesses from testifying or preventing the reporting of sexual offences.
In presenting the bill, Adeke emphasized the need for Parliament to adopt these measures to curb sexual violence, protect victims, and ensure the law reflects evolving societal challenges.
The Sexual Offences Bill, 2024, is set to enhance punishment for offenders, create new offences, and make the law more gender-neutral to better protect all citizens from sexual violence.
Torch Media Africa
