International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Female genital mutilation has been officially outlawed in Uganda, it has been reported.

Under the new parliamentary act, individuals who are found to have been involved the cutting of females' reproductive organs face ten years' imprisonment.

In instances where the practice results in the death of a young woman, perpetrators can be given a life sentence.

Fred Opolot, a spokesman for the government, accepted that the legislation had taken some time to make it through parliament.

"A majority of Ugandans felt it is a disgusting act, but you have to remember that this is a cultural belief that has been practiced for generations," he explained.

Chantal Compoare, the first lady of Burkina Faso, recently claimed that co-operation between African nations is needed to fully eliminate female genital mutilation.

She told delegates at a conference in Ouagadougou that the practice has been tolerated by some countries for far too long.

Posted by David Smith