Men and women must respect each other

The Bugangaizi East Member of Parliament Onesimus Twinamasiko, on Tuesday apologised on the floor of Parliament for what he called his “unfortunate statement” that seemed to promote gender-based violence against women. In his apology, Mr Twinamasiko said “I actually detest all forms of violence women…”, among other things.

Given the heightened attacks and pressure from across the board over the MP’s unpalatable utterance, the public retraction of his earlier statement, seems to have achieved what could be summed up as all is well that ends well.
However, the dust Mr. Twinamasiko’ s remarks raised both in and outside of Parliament, should send a unequivocal message to the MP and all other Ugandans that not only is the actual inflicting of physical violence against women a horrible act, but also the making of unguarded utterances that seem to promote domestic and related violence, is abhorred in the country.

Leaders should be mindful of their status and avoid making reckless statements that has the potential to undermine the dignity of other people. This requires that leaders should act and also be seen to be keen on promoting harmony in society.
Violence against women or even against men costs not only the affected individuals, but also the community and the entire nation. Police report 2017 on crimes committed against women and children between 2010 and 2016 indicate an increase in cases of women killed as a result of domestic violence, among other crimes.

According to the report, in 2010, 109 women died as a result of domestic violence compared to the 163 that lost their lives in 2016.
Most importantly, even where there is a deep belief in some cultures that it is socially acceptable to beat a woman as a means of disciplining her, we should all be reminded that in this day and age, it is totally unacceptable for any man worth the name to wave the cultural flag to inflict psychological, emotional and economic violence against a woman.

It should not be lost to all of us that wife beating can cost the national economy dearly. For instance, given that women, especially in the rural areas, are the most engaged in the growing of food to feed the family as well as cash crops to raise money to run their home, battering a woman to death or maiming her means loss of a family’s most productive hand. We must stop the vice.
Finally, it is imperative that we should urge both men and women to act responsibly, be exemplary and do things that advance peace, harmony and growth of the family, the community, and the country.