BUSHENYI: Authorities in Bushenyi district in the South western region of Uganda are worried about the increasing cases of domestic violence among married couples.
The Mayor for Kizinda – Kigoma Town Council, Charles Karooli Mushabe also known as Rwamuganga says cases of domestic violence against women and children are on rampage in his area something likely to cause family breakups.
“We have recorded an overwhelming number of domestic violence during the lockdown; some of the victims include men, women and children.” Rwamuganga said.
According to Rwamuganga the increased cases are due to precedents of COVID-19 lockdown which have left men and children spend most of their time at home rather than at work and schools as it was a case in the past. He says a number of people lost their jobs during the lockdown leading to poverty which contributes to violence in families.
Rwamuganga urged spouses experiencing intimate partner violence to report cases to proper authorities at police stations in their jurisdictions.
“I appeal to all victims of domestic violence to report all forms of violence to proper authorities in their areas. Married couples should use elders in their communities to settle matters as long as its done with observance of SOPs,” Rwamuganga urged.
Cases of Domestic Violence against women and children are on rise in Uganda as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and several introgovernment bodies such as UN women, UWONET among others have been very much concerned about the surge in numbers.
According to Police Annual Crime and Traffic Report 2020, about 17,664 cases of Domestic Violence were reported to Police compared to 13,693 reported in 2019, giving a 29% increase.
Of 18,872 people who were victims of Domestic Violence, 3,408 were male adults, 13,145 were female adults. 1,133 were male juveniles while 1,186 were female juveniles.
Rwizi region where Bushenyi district is found was among the region’s with highest number of domestic violence with 972 cases.
Among districts and Divisions with high performance of Domestic Violence were; Old Kampala registered the highest number of cases of domestic violence in 2020, followed by Tororo, Kiryandongo and Kabarole among others.
Districts and Divisions which did not register any case of domestic violence were Kyenjojo, Kumi, Kakira Division, Kalaki, Bududa, Madi Okolo, Kalungu, Kakumiro and Kitagwenda.
