April 14, 2010
By Daniel Edyegu- The New Vision
A LOCAL NGO that has been spearheading the campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sebei and Karamoja has suspended activities, citing lack of funding.
The Reproductive Education and Community Health, executive director, Beatrice Chelengat, said the organisation had not received funds from the Government and donors since the beginning of the year despite the numerous pledges.
Chelengat said they had budgeted for sh400m this year to educate the communities on the FGM Bill that was passed by Parliament in December 2009.
"Despite the passing of the Bill, communities are unaware of the contents therein and the penalties." She added that they had planned to sensitise elders and surgeons who would pass on the message to the community members.
Female genital mutilation is the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. The practice is mainly carried out among the Sabiny in Kapchorwa and Bukwo districts, Pokot in Amudat, the Tepeth in Moroto and Kadam in Nakapiripirit district.
The Sabiny, Kadam and Tepeth carry out the practice during even years, while the Pokot hold the ritual throughout the years. Under the FGM Bill, offenders are liable to imprisonment between five to 10 years for aggravated cases or life imprisonment.
President Yoweri Museveni is yet to ascent to the Bill.
