Kampala — THE Government should conduct massive sensitization about the new law on female genital mutilation (FGM) among the practicing communities in north-eastern Uganda, the former traditional surgeons and mentors have said.

Claudia Cherotwa, a former surgeon from Suma sub county in Bukwo district, said on Saturday that most people in the practising communities were not aware of the contents in the Bill.

"In Bukwo and Kapchorwa districts, the Sabiny communities are already making preparations for the cutting season next year. People are preserving maize grain for making brew and animals to slaughter, unaware of the new law. It would be unjust to the communities unaware," said Cherotwa.

Under the new law passed on December 10, offenders will be liable, to jail terms ranging from five to 10 years or life imprisonment. During the consultative tour by the parliamentary committee on the FGM Bill last month, the committee chairperson, Beatrice Lagada, said the Government had earmarked sh500m to sensitise practicing communities on the new law.