Muslim Female Lawyers call for justice in the case of the sexually abused 14-year-old girl
- Efforts to shield perpetrators from accountability violate Islamic principles
- They asked police to act promptly and transparently to ensure that justice is served
Muslim Female Lawyers have called for justice in the case of a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly abused sexually by her stepfather.
Women lawyers from the Islamic Women’s Initiative for Justice, Law & Peace (IWILAP), the Muslim Women Lawyers Alliance (MWOLA), and the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), expressed strong disapproval of reports suggesting that certain religious leaders and family members have discouraged the family from seeking legal action.
Noor Nakibuka, Deputy Executive Director at CEHURD explained that efforts to shield perpetrators from accountability not only endanger children but also violate Islamic principles of justice and called for thorough and transparent investigations.
“The police must act promptly and transparently to ensure that justice is served. The failure to investigate properly only adds to the trauma of victims and their families,” she stated.
Nakibuka also urged the police to adopt a victim-centered approach to protect the survivor from harassment.
Haula Nalubega, Legal Officer at IWILAP, condemned the actions of some religious leaders who allegedly pressured the family to drop the case.
“Islam does not condone the silencing of victims of abuse. The Qur’an teaches us to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice,” she said.
Berna Bakkidde Nakimbugwe, Convener at MWOLA explained that efforts to shield perpetrators will only worsen the situation .
“As the society, we must confront these terrible crimes with urgency, transparency, and a commitment to safeguarding our young girls”, Nakimbugwe said.
The rights groups urged Parliament to fast-track the establishment of Qadhi’s courts under the Constitution, which would provide a legal framework for Muslim communities while upholding human rights.
They also affirmed their commitment to supporting the survivor and her family through legal aid and counselling.
The alleged abuse reportedly occurred between May and September 2024.It case was reported on September 30th , 2024, by the victim’s mother, Nakisuyi Zukah, a 40-year-old businesswoman from Bweya, Kajjansi.
Meanwhile Uganda’s 2023 police crime report revealed an alarming rise in sexual abuse cases involving family members, with 97 children reportedly abused by parents and 90 by guardians.