AMOS K
Married couples in Rugarama North Sub-County, Ntungamo District, have been urged to address their misunderstandings through open discussions within the family to prevent domestic violence.
Reports indicate a sharp rise in domestic violence cases in the area, with tragic incidents, such as a recent case where a man killed his wife before taking his own life.
Reverend Ambrose Amanya of Ruhega Church of Uganda acknowledged the growing concern, attributing it to mistrust among couples. He emphasized the importance of seeking divine intervention and turning to prayer when conflicts arise before resorting to violence or approaching local leaders.
Jolly Kyobukama, the Community Development Officer for Rugarama North Sub-County, also confirmed that domestic violence cases have reached alarming levels. She attributed this trend to marital conflicts stemming from denial of sexual rights between partners and financial struggles.
Kyobukama further noted that in some instances, women have conspired with their children to mistreat their husbands, escalating tensions within families. She advised couples to foster mutual trust and cooperation to mitigate domestic disputes.
Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibale, the LC3 Chairperson of Rugarama North Sub-County, warned that these conflicts contribute to severe consequences, including family breakdowns, school dropouts among children, and, in some cases, fatalities.
He urged couples to practice forgiveness and seek God’s guidance, emphasizing that violence is never the solution. Additionally, he called on religious leaders to work alongside government authorities to organize counseling sessions and conduct community sensitization on the dangers of domestic violence, stressing that legal measures alone are insufficient.
