Uganda bans female circumcision

Kampala, 11 Dec-(ANA)-Ugandan MPs have voted to outlaw female genital mutilation - also known as female circumcision.

Anyone convicted of the practice, which involves cutting off a girl's clitoris, will face 10 years in jail, or a life sentence if a victim dies.

Rights groups welcomed the move, but urged awareness campaigns to ensure the centuries-old practice stops.

Genital mutilation is seen in some countries as a way to ensure virginity and to make a woman suitable for marriage. (ANA)

FA/ANA/11 December 2009---