NICHOLAS A
Authorities in the Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, have expressed frustration over the high rate of domestic violence, which they say has become a serious problem in the area.
David Tumwesigye, the division chairperson, told our reporter that they are grappling with the challenge, noting that his office receives no fewer than five domestic violence-related cases every week.
He said many children are quitting school due to domestic violence, which causes misunderstandings, leading to parents failing to coordinate and pay school fees.
Tumwesigye pointed to land wrangles as a key cause of domestic violence, urging youths to focus on working instead of seeking a share of their parents’ property.
He noted that some men have greed for land money, selling land for personal enjoyment. When wives try to prevent such sales, conflicts arise, escalating into domestic violence.
Tumwesigye further noted that in his division, domestic violence is also driven by women taking loans from financial institutions and money lenders without their husbands’ consent. When they fail to repay, they put pressure on their husbands, leading to conflicts.
However, he revealed that efforts to combat the vice have already started. Together with the Rukungiri District Police Commander, they have begun visiting villages to sensitize locals on how to avoid domestic violence and understand its effects.
