Dembe Bigombe,Kampala/Seven Billion Today
In Africa, we don’t have a dedicated category for acid attacks when they are reported or filed by the police or courts.
Instead, they are listed as domestic abuse cases. But acid attacks are so different.
Acid attacks are catching on in popularity across the world.You may not have heard it, but they are becoming popular here in Africa.Commonly, attackers use common chemicals and destroying and burning peoples skin.
The effects are life changing and can cause severe chemical burns, as well as pain. Jamiddah Nabuyamba, a local lady from Uganda, was closing her resteraunt when a man approached her from behind, and suddenly struck her face with a liquid. She immediately felt her skin burning away and she could not breathe or see.
Acid attacks are an appalling attack, because they leave the victim with no oppportunity to fight back and with life-changing damage. They will always be reminded, visually and mentally, by the horror inflicted on them. I think there should be stricter laws about buying acid.
The problem is that people can buy the ingredients so easily and cheaply. In Bangladesh for example, you can buy sulphuric drain cleaner for $0.15!!!!!
Local NGO ‘Acid Survivors’ Foundation Uganda’ reported that between 1985 and 2010 there have been 382 victims of acid abuse. Sadly, I think the genuine number is much much higher.