This morning, key officials from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Governance and Security sector held a significant meeting at the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Headquarters in Kampala. The Senior Technical Advisor from Governance and Security, Ms. Racheal Odoi, and the IDLO Country Manager, Ms. Barbara Kei, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Director of CID, SCP Beata Chelimo, to discuss strengthening coordination in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and human trafficking-related crimes.
The meeting highlighted the growing need for improved collaboration between various stakeholders in addressing these critical issues. SGBV and human trafficking have been identified as major concerns in Uganda, with both crimes affecting thousands of vulnerable individuals across the country. Through this partnership, the IDLO and governance experts aim to bolster the CID’s efforts in handling these cases more effectively and efficiently.
Ms. Odoi and Ms. Kei shared insights on international best practices in investigating and prosecuting gender-based violence and trafficking crimes. They also emphasized the importance of capacity-building within law enforcement and enhancing victim support services. Their discussions with SCP Chelimo focused on the CID’s role in investigating such cases and ensuring that law enforcement officers are equipped with the necessary skills to handle them with sensitivity and professionalism.
SCP Chelimo welcomed the visit, noting that combating SGBV and human trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach. She reaffirmed CID’s commitment to strengthening its work with civil society organizations, international partners, and other government agencies to tackle these complex issues.
The meeting is seen as a step forward in fostering a more coordinated approach to addressing the challenges of SGBV and human trafficking, with the ultimate goal of reducing these crimes and ensuring justice for survivors.
In conclusion, today’s meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing between national law enforcement agencies and international organizations like IDLO in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence and human trafficking. The hope is that such efforts will not only improve the quality of investigations but also contribute to a more comprehensive legal and support framework for victims of these heinous crimes.
