Uganda

Type practised

The Sabiny ethnic group primarily practice Type II; the Pokot Type III.

Source: 28 Too Many

Age

Due to the low overall prevalence of FGC in Uganda, data is limited. It is thought, however, that where girls are cut the practice typically takes place over the age of ten.

Source: 28 Too Many

Agent

Traditional practitioners.

Source: 28 Too Many

Legal status

Illegal. National legislation was passed in 2010 that prohibits FGC in Uganda, and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

National progress

• 2010 – Act prohibiting FGC
• 2012 – National coordinating body for the work on FGC established
• 2012 – Ministry of Finance, through Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, allocates funds for FGC
• 2013 – Guidelines for FGC prevention and response
• 2016 – Children Amendment Act passed into law
• 2016 – FGC integrated into national strategy to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy and into national policy on elimination of gender-based violence (GBV), 2016-2021
• 2016 – Budget created to support interventions relating to FGC
• 2016 – National action plan on elimination of GBV 2016-2021; national policy approved

UN programme

The UNFPA-UNICEF joint programme on FGC operates in Uganda. 105 communities made public declarations of FGC abandonment involving more than 27,407 individuals during Phase II of the programme (2014-2017).

It reports that important progress is being made and has high level political backing. In terms of attitudes, 82% of girls and women aged 15 to 49 years have heard about FGC and now think the practice should end.

Source: UNFPA-UNICEF

Enforcement

The UN reports that, between 2014 and 2017, 60 arrests were made related to FGC, of which 17 resulted in convictions.

In general, the 2010 anti-FGC legislation has not been strictly enforced in rural areas, where prevalence remains highest. Few successful cases have been through the courts and travel across national borders to avoid prosecution presents a significant challenge.

Source: 28 Too Many

Human Development Index ranking

162 in 2018 index, based on 2017 data.

Infant mortality rate

38 deaths per 1,000 live births (2015).

Source: 28 Too Many

Maternal mortality rate

43 deaths per 100,000 live births (2015).

Source: 28 Too Many

Trends in FGC prevalence

Across all six districts, the prevalence of FGC in Uganda is highest among women aged 45 years and above (68%), indicating that rates are decreasing.

Source: UNFPA-UNICEF

Prevalence breakdown

By region

Despite a low prevalence across the country as a whole, there are areas of localised practice. Studies show higher prevalence rates in the Karamoja region in the north-east, including the districts of Moroto (52%), Nakapiripirit (49%) and Amudat (42%). Meanwhile, in the Sebei region, the prevalence was highest in the Bukwo district at 28%, followed by Kween at 21% and Kapchorwa, 13%.

Source: UNFPA-UNICEF

Practising ethnic groups

Sabiny (the majority of whom live in the Eastern region), Pokot (who live in the Karamoja region), Tepeth.

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