The effect of police response to minimise gender based violence in post conflict northern Uganda: case study Palenga parish IDP in Bobi sub-county in Gulu district

Abstract

This research was about the effect of police response to minimize GBV in post conflict northern Uganda. The study analyzed the roles and challenges of the Child and Family Protection Unit and community policing in responding to GBV cases in Palenga community. The research focused on case study in Palenga parish located in Bobi sub-county in Gulu district in northern Uganda. The methodology of the study comprised interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions. The key findings were as follows: The roles of the Child and Family Protection Unit in responding to different forms of GBV included taking statements, summoning GBV suspects, conducting investigations, counseling and referrals. The roles of community policing in responding to GBV included the protection of life and property, maintain law and order and security, cooperation with the community and other security organs established under the constitution, enforce the laws of Uganda, detect and prevent crime and sensitize the community on GBV and on a wide range of issues such as rights and obligations of the police and the community, court procedures, the process of administration of justice and human rights. In implementing their roles on GBV, CFPU and Community Policing are guided by laws such as: the Police Act, the Penal Code Act, the Domestic Violence Act, 1995 Constitution of Uganda. However, CFPU and community policing response to GBV had not been adequately implemented. The challenges CFPU and community policing face were negative attitude and poor relationship with the community, lack of GBV reporting, lack of trust from the community due to corruption, lack of logistics and knowledge on GBV laws. The study recommended that, CFPU and community policing structures be strengthened to effectively respond to GBV cases. The human rights NGOs and the police should jointly conduct community policing and sensitize the community on GBV laws and the roles of the CFPU and community policing in responding to GBV. Corrupt police officials should be prosecuted. This way, the police image, public relations and customer care could be improved and as a result, bribery would reduce, GBV victims would have confidence and trust in the police while responding to GBV cases. The Government of Uganda should advocate and lobby International NGOs to provide social, legal and economic support to the CFPU and Community Policing, to expand their services in the communities where they do not exist and to effectively respond to GBV crimes.