The Parliament of Uganda has banned the practice of female genital mutilation (FMG), criminalizing the act that is carried out among selected communities in Uganda.
The prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation bill 2009 provides legislation necessary for criminalizing the practice, prosecution of offenders and protection of victims.
A person who carries out FGM shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, while those who participate or aid the process shall be jailed for a period not exceeding five years.
The bill awaiting assent by the President also provides for life imprisonment for persons found guilty of aggravated female genital mutilation.
The Parliamentary Committee on Gender in its report to Parliament December 9, noted that aggravated mutilation will be classified in situations where death occurs or where the victim is disabled or is infected with HIV/AIDS.
Members of Parliament appealed to government to establish model boarding schools to help increase girl child education in the areas where the practice grossly affected education.
They highlighted the need for massive awareness campaigns on the dangers that entail the practice.
Source African Press Agency
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