“Young girls are sexually violated in schools, workplaces and in communities generally.82 per cent of girls are sexually harassed right from secondary school and institution of higher learning. The sex for marks syndrome has left our young women violated by males in position of power,” Akello said.

Hon. Silvia Akello: Internet Photo

In 2016, Hon. Monicah Amoding (NRM, Kumi District) and Chairperson of Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) tabled the Sexual Offences Bill 2016 as a Private Members Bill, which seeks to consolidate all laws related to sexual offences and also spells out clear sanctions against sex offenders.

The day’s Chief Guest Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, said that the Sexual Offences Bill was delayed but would ensure that it is passed into law.

“All the pending bills have to be presented before October. I am ready for the Sexual Offences Bill because I know how important it is. I have designated a sitting to legislate on these bills,” she said.

The petition includes concerns on the recently introduced social media tax The youth contend that this is discriminatory to unemployed youth who use social media as a platform to search for job opportunities.

The youth also claim that there are increased levels of exploitation from employers and therefore  the Minimum Wage Bill. They said most youth have resorted to seeking for greener pastures abroad, where they are tortured, mistreated and sexually abused.