Kampala, Uganda – Canadian-Ugandan rapper Lanie Banks and Ugandan Olympic gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei participated in the Mbale-Tororo SASA (Start Awareness Support Action) marathon, held from October 31 to November 2.
“The SASA Programme aims to empower community members, SGBV and GBV survivors through sensitisation and taking legal action where necessary,” Banks said during a meeting with activists from various community-based organizations.
Banks further emphasized the importance of community engagement in combating GBV, citing the four core values of the SASA Together ideology: “The Start value decodes the power within, Awareness value decodes the power over, Support values for power with and the Action value, which is for power to.”
“The rate of gender-based violence against women and girls has reduced in the country due to sensitisation campaigns and initiatives made by community activists in the fight against gender-based violence and equality in the local Ugandan communities,” Banks noted.
Cheptegei, Uganda’s renowned athlete, joined Banks in promoting gender equality and condemning GBV. The event drew over 24 partners, including UNDP, Vision Group, and Uganda Athletics Federation.
During his visit, Banks also toured Kidepo Valley National Park, where he met with Uganda Wildlife Authority officials and local residents. Akorongimoe Phillip, head of the park’s tourism department, briefed Banks on the park’s history and conservation efforts.
“Kidepo Valley National Game Park was established as a game reserve in 1958 and covers an area of 1442 square kilometers,” Phillip explained.
Banks encouraged residents to uphold gender equality and unite against community-based gender violence. “I thank the Game park administration and other stakeholders for preserving wildlife and promoting gender equality in their respective communities.”
Related
