Staff Reporter
Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, has urged religious leaders to use their influence to address the rising cases of domestic violence in Rubanda District.
Highlighting a concerning trend where women are increasingly reported to be violent against men, Minister Musasizi called for immediate action, stressing the crucial role religious leaders play due to their significant following in Uganda.
He expressed alarm over the growing instances of domestic violence in the district, attributing much of it to economic hardships affecting nearly 39 percent of households.
Minister Musasizi encouraged religious leaders to help restore hope and promote peace among Christians. He urged residents to support government initiatives like the Parish Development Model, which aims to combat poverty, identified as a root cause of domestic violence.
Joyce Kenganzi, the Rubanda District Probation Officer, reported a disturbing frequency of 3 to 4 domestic violence cases weekly. She identified factors such as rampant alcohol consumption, land scarcity, poor communication between spouses, lack of mutual understanding, unfulfilled conjugal rights, and harmful gender stereotypes as exacerbating community tensions.
Ms. Jacqueline Katabazi, a hopeful candidate for Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament, condemned domestic violence as a destructive force that inflicts physical and emotional trauma and undermines community cohesion. She emphasized the importance of supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
