Uganda: Female Circumcision Bill in Offing

A Bill that seeks to criminalise female genital mutilation was presented in Parliament yesterday. If enacted, a person found guilty of engaging in the practice is liable to imprisonment of between seven to 10 years or a fine of not less than sh1m.

The Bill defines female genital mutilation as violation or attempted violation of the physical integrity of the female organ, either by total or partial ablation, excision, infibulations or desensitisation.

MPs on the parliamentary forum on population, food security and development, together with members of the Uganda Women’s Parliamentarians, supported the draft Bill.

“The practice is the worst form of abuse against women. It is crude and painful and it must stop,” said Margaret Baba Diri (NRM).

The document was drafted by Dora Byamukama, the director of the Law and Advocacy for Women in Uganda.

According to the draft Bill, an offender who is a member of the medical field risks losing their licence if they engage in the act.

The document does not consider beliefs, custom, tradition, ritual or consent as valid defense. The MPs, however, called for a death penalty if the victim dies.

“The sh1m fine is nothing, death should be the ultimate penalty,” said Christopher Kibanzanga (FDC).

Grace Oburu (NRM) said the punishments were not prohibitive enough. She called for tougher laws.

Source: New Vision – 20 February 2008