Kampala — Women rights activists' are to boycott the International Women's Day celebrations to be held on Sunday in Mayuge district.

Regina Bafaki, the executive director of Action for Development (ACFODE), a local NGO, said the women had no reason to celebrate, but to mourn because of the increased cases of violance against women and children.

Addressing a press conference at their offices in Bukoto in Kampala yesterday, Bafaki expressed regret that Bills relating to women issues had been shelved by Parliament.

Bafaki said over 15 women organisations would boycott the celebrations, adding that the women would instead present a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Edward Ssekandi, today highlighting cases of violence against women.

The organisations include the Uganda Women's Network, the Federation of Uganda Women Lawyers, the Centre for Domestic Violence, Akina Maama Africa and Forum for Women in Democracy.

However, Bafaki praised the Government for its support to the education of the girl-child.