The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, has called for urgent national action to wipe out harmful social and cultural norms believed to fuel gender-based violence (GBV) in Uganda.

Speaking at the Women Uganda 2025+ National Dialogue held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton, Justice Zeija said that cultural norms such as early marriage, bride price, and widow inheritance as deep-rooted traditions that fuel GBV.

“Violence against women is not a distant problem; it starts in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities yet continues to undermine the safety and dignity of Ugandan women and girls,” he said.

He called for challenging discriminatory power dynamics, scaling up prevention campaigns, and engaging men and boys to address the culture of impunity perpetuating GBV.

“We must recognize that GBV is embedded in historical roots but also largely perpetuated by a culture of impunity,” Justice Zeija stressed.

Dr. Katja Yvonne Kerschhaumer, emphasized collective, noting Uganda’s progress in women presentation and legal protections but warned persistent issues like forced marriages and denied land rights.

She urged collaborative efforts involving government, development partners, community leaders, and media to dismantle harmful norms.

Peace Mutuuzo, Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, announced a forthcoming cabinet paper seeking ratification of an international women’s rights convention and plans under the Fourth National Development Plan to foster community-level gender equality dialogues in over 1,000 community halls.

“This is not going to remain a policy issue. It will be imprinted in the minds of people at the village level,” she affirmed.

The National Dialogue, which marked 30 years of the Beijing Declaration, also included critical roundtable discussions on topics such as; “Redefining Masculinity and women’s leadership in policy change.” One session specifically addressed the role of the media in combating teenage pregnancy and child marriage, which are closely tied to GBV in Uganda.

Emmanuel Wabwire, Executive Director of Faraja Africa Foundation, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of the event in shaping Uganda’s gender equality agenda.

The National Dialogue, themed “Commemorating 30 years of the Beijing Declaration,” brought together government officials, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to evaluate progress on gender equality and define future strategies.