European Heads of Missions in Uganda have renewed their appeal to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing it as a grave violation of human rights that continues to destroy the lives and futures of girls and women in the Karamoja sub-region.
The call was made during the National Dialogue on Challenging Harmful Practices Affecting Gender Equality held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the National Theatre in Kampala. Among those in attendance were H.E. Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner to Uganda; H.E. Frederieke Quispel, Ambassador of the Netherlands; and H.E. Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer, Head of the Austrian Embassy in Uganda.
The diplomats urged government institutions, cultural leaders, artists, and communities in Karamoja to intensify efforts to end FGM, warning that the practice causes deep physical and psychological harm while promoting gender inequality.
“Culture Can Change”
In her remarks, H.E. Lisa Chesney stressed that no cultural tradition should ever justify violence or discrimination against women and girls.
“Culture is not static; it can change. For change to take root, everyone must raise their voice to end FGM in Karamoja,” she said. “Artists and cultural leaders must use their influence to stop this harmful practice.”
She emphasized that ending FGM requires collective, community-driven action focused on advocacy and empowering young girls.
H.E. Frederieke Quispel pointed to education as the most powerful tool in fighting harmful cultural practices. “If girls in Karamoja are educated and equipped with different skills, they will have equal opportunities as men, and practices like FGM will eventually disappear,” she said. She called for more government investment in education and vocational training, noting that economic empowerment helps break the cycle of cultural oppression and gender-based violence.
Local Perspectives
Angella Nakafeero, Commissioner for Gender and Women Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said social pressure continues to drive girls into undergoing FGM. “In Karamoja, girls who reject FGM are often seen as incomplete women. Some are excluded from cultural functions or rejected in marriage,” she said.
Nakafeero added that families still encourage the practice because girls who undergo FGM fetch higher bride prices, perpetuating abuse. She highlighted education as the best tool to transform attitudes and protect girls from such harmful traditions.
Sabiny cultural leader Tweituk David admitted that despite the 2010 law criminalizing FGM, the practice still persists, especially in remote communities. “Most of these operations now take place secretly at night to avoid arrest,” he said, urging stronger community engagement and awareness.
State Minister for Gender, Culture, and Social Development Hon. Peace Mutuuzo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating FGM, emphasizing that education remains the foundation for lasting change. “Education shapes mindsets, empowers families, and transforms communities,” she stated.
The dialogue highlighted a shared determination among international partners, government agencies, and local leaders to protect girls in Karamoja and eliminate FGM through education, advocacy, and community-led initiatives.
