Kampala — PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has assented to the Domestic Violence Act 2010, which aims at punishing perpetrators of domestic violence. The President assented to the Act on March 17.

The Act penalises a partner in a domestic relationship who injures or endangers the health of the other. The Act, which has now become law, forbids repeated sending of abusive messages and letters. "A person who repeatedly makes abusive telephone calls or causing another person to make abusive telephone calls to the victim, commits an offence," reads the Act.

Perpetrators of domestic violence are liable to a fine of up to sh960,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The court may, in addition to imposing a fine or imprisonment, order the offender to pay compensation to the victim of any amount determined by the court. The centre for Domestic Violence Prevention, yesterday called a press conference to communicate the development to the public.

During the press conference, Brenda Kugonza, the advocacy officer, appealed to the Government to quickly formulate policy regulations guiding the implementation of the Act. She commended the President for assenting to the Act. "This is a great achievement. Mr President. We are so happy. You have saved the lives of many people in homes."

The Act gives powers to local councils to try cases of domestic violence with a view of initiating reconciliation. The same Act outlaws depriving the victim of economic or financial resources to which he or she is entitled to. This may include property jointly or separately owned by the victim or payment of rent to the shared household and maintenance. It also includes household necessities for the victim and his or her children.

According to The Police Crime Report 2009, domestic violence is on the increase. The report indicated the cases of death resulting from domestic violence rose from 137 in 2008 to 165 in 2009.