Senior Reporter
Women leaders in Rubanda District have linked the increasing number of murders in the Kigezi Sub-region to a rise in domestic violence and the denial of conjugal rights within marriages.
Matilda Kyarukunda, the Chairperson, along with Prosy Kesafari Akampurira, the District Vice Chairperson, and Mary Waguma, the District Speaker, voiced these concerns during a workshop aimed at empowering women leaders to access government programs.
The workshop took place at Rukiiko Hall in Rubanda District and was organized by the office of the Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, in collaboration with Rubanda District LC5 Chairman, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba.
The leaders’ worries were sparked by a recent tragic incident involving the alleged murder of a 45-year-old woman, Niwamanya Shallon, by her husband, John Muhimba, in Karukara cell, Karukara Ward, Hamurwa Town Council in Rubanda District, for reasons yet unknown. Joyce Kenganzi, the Rubanda District Probation Officer, revealed that her office records three to four cases of gender-based violence and child neglect weekly.
Topista Twembi, a human rights officer at the Uganda Human Rights Commission Kabale Regional Office and one of the workshop facilitators, disclosed that their office handles seven to ten cases of domestic violence weekly.
Kesafari and Twembi emphasized the necessity of cooperation, trust, honesty, and transparency among family members to reduce domestic violence cases in the region. They praised Minister Henry Musasizi for his initiative and funding, stating that workshops like these would educate them on how to address family-related issues.
Kasyaba attributed domestic violence cases in the area to poverty and drug abuse, which often lead to conflicts between spouses. He also expressed appreciation towards Minister Musasizi for funding such workshops, suggesting that educating men could help decrease the incidence of domestic violence.
