The Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UNBS) has urged Ugandans to speak up against domestic violence that has persistently increased in all regions of the country.

According to Didacus Okoth, spokesperson at the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics, over 50% of Ugandan women have experienced domestic violence abuses because of silence, shame, or fear, which boosts the abusers to carry on their inhuman acts.

Didacus Okoth noted silence as the major cause that allows abusers to continue harmfully behaving without minding the likely consequences on women.

’’Ugandans! Get seriously reminded that fear, retribution, shame, and pressures from societies often prevent victims from reporting those who abuse them in their relationships or houses,’’ said Okoth.

Okoth called on Ugandans to embrace speaking up as a number one step to stopping a cycle of violence.

“As Ugandans, we need to get reminded that it’s not only victims who should take part in this voice-up, but all of us are our contributions to cause awareness for the safety of people countrywide,” he added.

According to Okoth Uganda’s athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who kept silent and continuously put up with domestic violence by her boyfriend, lost her life on September 5, 2024.