Namirembe Diocese Mothers’ Union president calls for an end to husband battering

The President of Namirembe Diocese Mothers' Union, Ms Roseline Biingi Kawiso, has raised an alarm over the growing cases of husband battering.

Speaking at the launch of this year's Mary Day celebrations at Gayaza Junior School on Tuesday, March 25, Ms Biingi highlighted that husband battering was affecting many men, including some members of the Fathers' Union.

"Ladies, don't beat your husbands. The complaints I am receiving from some men are that they are being beaten and tortured. Emulate Mary, the mother of Jesus—she was humane, loving, and down to earth," she said, as the congregation burst into laughter.

However, she encouraged men who are victims of violence to speak out so they can receive timely support before the situation escalates.

"Men have gone into depression because they do not speak publicly about what is happening to them. Please, don’t stay silent. Many bad things are happening behind closed doors—some men have even committed suicide or run away from their homes due to violence," Ms Biingi said.

She also called for environmental conservation and challenged men not to abandon the responsibility of caring for the family, emphasizing that raising children is a shared responsibility.

Ms Miria Matembe, former Minister of Ethics and Integrity and a renowned women’s rights activist, was the guest preacher at the event. She implored both men and women to value and love each other so their marriages can flourish.

"I’ve been married for 50 years now. All my sons are married, and I have beautiful grandchildren. That means I don’t break marriages—I build them. We can redeem our families as long as each one of us values the other as an important creation of God," she advised. "But I want men, and those in charge, to recognize the value that God places on women. She should be at the table of decision-making."

Ms Matembe explained that while a man is the vision bearer for the family, a woman should bring what is missing in the man to complete that vision, working together to build a wonderful home and family.

The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt Rev Moses Banja, urged Christians to listen to God's voice, especially during challenging times.

"There are many voices intended to break your family. When you face challenges, listen to God. You will overcome the situation because God wants you to live a happy life," Rt. Rev. Banja said.