Summary:
- Minister Musasizi emphasized the need for urgent action and the pivotal role that religious leaders, given their significant following among Ugandans, can play in tackling this pressing issue.
RUBANDA: The Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, has called upon religious leaders to leverage their influence in addressing the alarming increase of domestic violence cases in Rubanda District.
Expressing concern over a troubling trend where women are now reported to be engaging in violence against men, Minister Musasizi emphasized the need for urgent action and the pivotal role that religious leaders, given their significant following among Ugandans, can play in tackling this pressing issue.
He lamented the rising instances of domestic violence in the district, attributing much of it to economic hardships affecting nearly 39 percent of households.
Minister Musasizi urged religious leaders to play a pivotal role in restoring hope and promoting peace among Christians, urging residents to embrace government initiatives like the Parish Development Model aimed at combating poverty, which he identified as a root cause of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is a scourge that we must confront together,” Minister Musasizi emphasized.
CUE IN MINISTER MUSASIZI….ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE…….RR//
The Rubanda District Probation Officer, Joyce Kenganzi, reported a distressing frequency of 3 to 4 cases of domestic violence weekly. She cited factors such as rampant alcohol consumption and land scarcity exacerbating tensions in the community, Poor communication between spouses, failure to understand each other, failure by couples to fulfill their conjugal rights and harmful gender stereotypes.
Ms Jacqueline Katabazi, the Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament hopeful, condemns domestic violence as a destructive force that not only inflicts physical and emotional trauma but also undermines community cohesion.
“This behavior not only harms individuals but also tears at the very fabric of our communities. Every individual deserves safety and dignity, free from fear and abuse.” Ms Katabazi said.
Calling for concerted efforts from leaders to educate, empower, and engage communities in eradicating domestic violence, Ms. Katabazi stressed the importance of supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
“We must unite to create a society where domestic violence is unequivocally condemned,” Ms. Katabazi stated.
