DAYS OF FGM NUMBERED AS HOUSE GRANTS HON BYAMUKAMA LEAVE TO INTRODUCE PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILLS ON ITS PROHIBITION

Hon Dora Byamukama, has been granted leave to introduce the EAC Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Bill, 2016

                                    Hon Saoli ole Nkanae makes his contribution to the House

EALA has granted leave to Hon Dora Byamukama to introduce a Bill entitled the East African Community Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Bill, 2016.

The Bill which outlaws the cultural practice is seen as critical and in essence numbers the days of those that still engage in the cultural practice.

Hon Byamukama states that the culture of FGM brings with it a number of complications including early child marriage and defilement, health complications that sometimes lead to transmission of HIV and AIDS, death and injuries to those who bear the practice.

According to Hon Byamukama, with the advent of the Common Market Protocol which necessitates free-movement and cross-border nature, the influence of culture and hence spread is expected to increase if not checked.

Contributing to the debate, Hon Judith Pareno remarked that surveys show an estimated 200 Million women in 27 countries in the Continent have undergone FGM. Hon Saoli ole Nkanae noted that the practice is prevalent among the Maasai people in East Africa, terming it a serious matter. Also rising in support of the Motion was Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro.