Poverty, moral values cited as key drivers of GBV in Masindi
She also pointed out that elderly individuals are often victims of sexual assault, but their cases go unreported due to fear or embarrassment.
Masindi: Stakeholders in Masindi have highlighted poverty and moral values as the primary factors contributing to the high cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the district.
This insight emerged during the annual district GBV meeting held recently at Kolping Hotel, Masindi.
Charles Jadao, the Bunyoro Kingdom Parish Chief for Civic Ward in Masindi Municipality, emphasized that moral values among couples significantly influence the occurrence of GBV.
He pointed out that disagreements on key decisions between partners often lead to violence. Jadao also identified poverty as a key driver of GBV, urging the district labor officer to implement programs that could financially empower the population and encourage responsible spending.
Grace Mukonyezi, the officer in charge of the Family and Children Protection Unit at Masindi Police Station, attributed the violence to a lack of respect among couples, financial disagreements, and a failure to understand each other’s needs and dislikes.
Norah Basemera, a representative from the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda, called on wives to offer financial support to their husbands, highlighting that many GBV cases arise from financial stress.
Similarly, Clare Businge Wamara, the gender focal person for Masindi District, encouraged married women to take advantage of government programs to access capital and start businesses, noting that financial constraints are a major cause of GBV.
Men fear to report GBV cases
Annette Karamagi, the Probation and Welfare Officer in Masindi District, revealed that many men hesitate to report GBV cases, believing that as heads of the family, they are expected to be superior and handle their issues privately.
She stressed that this fear of public judgment prevents many men from seeking help despite suffering in silence.
Irene Asaba, the Sub-County Chief for Kimengo, urged women to secure employment and achieve financial independence, as many domestic violence cases stem from financial challenges.
She advised couples to understand their roles, set boundaries, and for women to show respect to their husbands to reduce GBV incidents.
Kageye Baitwaini, the district council representative for the elderly, suggested that the secretaries for children at the LC1 level should be involved in addressing GBV cases.
She also pointed out that elderly individuals are often victims of sexual assault, but their cases go unreported due to fear or embarrassment.
District Chairman Cosmas Byaruhanga emphasized that the meeting comes at a crucial time during the district’s budget process.
He pledged to support any budget proposal that includes provisions for fighting GBV. Byaruhanga also called on the community to keep their children in school and report GBV cases to the police.
Decline in GBV cases
Despite the ongoing challenges, Annette Karamagi reported a decline in GBV cases in the district. Since January of this year, 92 GBV cases and 101 sexual GBV cases were registered, a significant decrease compared to the previous year when 264 GBV cases and 127 sexual GBV cases were reported.
Karamagi attributed the decline to community sensitization, radio talk shows, dialogues, and advocacy efforts.
However, Karamagi requested an increased budget for GBV prevention, stressing that the current funds are insufficient, particularly for the transportation of victims and suspects to hospitals, police stations, or remand homes.
Moureen Kyomuhendo, the Programs Officer at FOWODE, noted that these meetings have had a positive impact, with more victims now reporting GBV cases, which was not the case in the past.
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