A Critical Examination of the Legal Framework On Gender Inequality In Uganda

Abstract The study assessed the effectiveness of legal framework on gender inequality in Uganda. It was guided by the following objectives to examine the forms and causes of gender inequality, in Uganda, to analyze the legal framework on gender inequality in· Uganda, to examine the extent to which gender inequality laws have been enforced in Kawempe division. The study will largely doctrinal. A number of methodologies will be applied. These will include reviewing the available literature, use of questionnaires and interviews inter-alia. The study concluded that, The importance of gender equality especially in the contemporary world cannot be overemphasized. However, in order for gender equality to be attained, there is need to ensure that women are emancipated from the bondage of suppression. It is this recognition that has seen the fight against gender based violence receive center stage in recent years. The study was able to identify four variables that had a strong link to the problem under investigation which included: victims' economic dependence, police attitude, victims' level of education and victims' fear of persecution, and through the interviews various responses were collected. The study recommended that Expeditiously enact the Marriage and Divorce Bill, the Sexual Offences Bill and the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Bill: Raise the awareness of legislators about the need to give priority attention to legal reforms in order to achieve de jure equality for women and compliance with the State party's international treaty obligations; and Continue to increase suppmt for law reform through partnerships and collaboration with religious and community leaders, lawyers, judges, unions, civil society organizations and women's non-governmental organizations, Strengthen efforts to eliminate harmful practices and stereotypes that discriminate against women. A strategic action plan geared to achieving this objective must be put in place without delay, involving both governmental and non-governmental actors.