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Victims of Acid Attacks in Uganda
In Uganda, acid is used for far more sinister ends than running car’s batteries. It’s a weapon, one that is being used to settle scores, brutally disfiguring people. The cruel practice appeared 30 years ago in east Africa.
And here, attacks have an unparalleled frequency. Each year the number of victims grows. Mostly women, they’re disfigured by jealous husbands. Even children aren’t exempt and their suffering has only just begun. Acid victims spend months in the hospital.
In order to reconstruct their skins and regain the use of injured limbs, daily care is required. It helps fend off the depression. Mohammed Juma was 21 when he was attacked by a rival businessman. He has since joined the Acid Survivors Foundation Uganda which helps more than 400 victims. Mohammed has also found work here making specially-designed clothing for prosthetic limbs. Acid survivors want justice. They want perpetrators to be sent to prison for life. They’re also seeking to have the sale of acid controlled in Uganda.
Marco Oved Chown, Gabriel Kahn, Jocelyn Grange and Grégoire Ozan, France 24 News August 2008
Posted on September 18th 2009 by Test Member in Media coverage
