Women in Uganda will be armed with pepper spray in the upcoming months to ward off sexual assaults that are prevalent throughout the country, according to Reuters Africa.Junior Youth Minister for Youth and Children, Ronald Kibule told the news source that the pepper spray would be free for teens and women alike as a way to stop an epidemic of sexual assault.
According to the source, young adults and women between the ages of 15 and 30 will be eligible for the personal safety device. Reuters also added that in Uganda approximately 709 rape cases were reported in 2010 alone, making the issue an extremely serious matter.
Local law enforcement is also on board with the new program and said that the police force will train those who receive the pepper spray on how to use it in the most effective manner.
For some throughout the world, personal safety is always a concern. Pepper spray has proven to be an effective way to turn back attackers. When used correctly it can cause temporary blindness and difficulty breathing.
