Senior Reporter
Local leaders in Rubanda District are calling on the government to increase efforts in raising awareness to address the growing instances of domestic violence at the household level.
They made these remarks during a meeting organized by the Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament, Honorable Prosy Akampurira Begumisa Mbabazi. The meeting took place at Hakirondorondo and Nyamiyaga trading centers, as well as at Ikumba Sub county headquarters. The primary purpose of the meeting was to educate women about her new initiative called “Prosperous Women Rubanda (PWR),” which aims to support and improve the livelihoods of women.
Maltazari Mukwenda, the LC1 chairman for Kyanamira Village in Nyaruhanga Parish, Rubanda Town Council, reported that there are approximately three cases of domestic violence registered monthly in his village. Despite efforts by local council leadership to mediate domestic conflicts within families, there is still resistance, and some individuals prefer to have these cases addressed at the district level. Mukwenda attributes most of these cases to increased alcoholism among men and land-related issues.
Tumuhimbiise Silivano, the LC1 Chairperson of Mukashekye Village, believes that domestic violence is linked to poverty and idleness among both men and women in the area. Tumuhimbiise suggests that increased awareness and education can help reduce the number of domestic violence cases.
Edvina Mbahiika, the LC2 Chairperson for Nyaruhanga Ward, shares similar views, advocating for mutual agreements between men and women to combat and decrease domestic violence in the region.
Honorable Prosy Akampurira Mbabazi Begumisa, the Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament, attributes these cases to the stress and challenges faced by both men and women in their families. She believes that offering counseling and empowerment to both genders for poverty alleviation can contribute to reducing these instances of domestic violence.
