The IPU vehemently condemns the violent attack against Ugandan opposition MP, Susan Mugabi that took place on 21 April. According to the information received by the IPU, Ms. Mugabi was allegedly assaulted by the police, leaving her in a critical condition in hospital.
Any physical attack on a parliamentarian is totally unacceptable. Violence against women parliamentarians is particularly shocking, even more so given that the assault occurred during International Women’s Day celebrations in Ms. Mugabi’s district.
This recent attack follows two other cases of alleged violence against women Ugandan MPs that are being investigated by the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians.
IPU Secretary General, Martin Chungong, said: “I call on the Parliament of Uganda and relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to investigate these allegations, and identify and punish those responsible. We need to promote a culture of zero tolerance for violence, especially against women MPs.”
A 2021 IPU study, in partnership with the African Parliamentary Union, revealed that sexism, harassment and violence against women are ubiquitous in parliaments across Africa.
