Use culture to stem rising domestic violence, Buganda minister advises

Ms Christine Mugerwa (R) talks to Buddu County chief Vincent Mayiga. PHOTO BY ISSA ALIGA

What you need to know:

Be positive. The minister called for promotion of those norms that discourage violence

MASAKA

Buganda’s minister for Gender and Community Development Christine Mugerwa has called upon people to promote cultural norms, values and practices that can be used to end the escalating cases of domestic violence and early marriages in Buganda region.

Speaking to clan leaders and county chiefs at a training workshop on gender violence in Masaka Town, Ms Christine Mugerwa said laxity by parents in instilling cultural practices, norms and values has greatly contributed to domestic violence. She condemned the practice of marrying off underage girls and copying of Western lifestyles.

She said majority of men in Buganda do not know the value of following cultural norms. Noting that some men torture their wives and force their children into pre-mature marriages.
Masaka District chairman Joseph Kalungi, who was also present at the function, said acts of domestic violence among civil servants have negatively affected effective service delivery in public offices.