The acting commissioner in the Child and Family Protection Department in the Uganda Police Force, Maureen Atuhaire, has said men and boys need help to become confident to be able to express their masculinity in a positive way through care, love and respect.
The remarks were made during the male engagement dialogue in the districts of Arua, Kitgum, Kasese, Kyegegwa and Bundibugyo.
Atuhaire said these dialogues aimed at giving men and boys a chance to rethink and change the way they treat women and girls which in the long run helps to improve their attitude towards relationship violence.
She explained that violence can be prevented through promoting positive masculinity or manhood by encouraging men and boys to express a full range of emotions.
The dialogue came at a time when the police has registered many cases relating to Gender Based Violence.
For example, the police annual crime report of 2020 shows that 17,664 cases of domestic violence were reported to police compared to 13,693 reported in 2019, which is a 29% increase. Furthermore, a total of 14,134 cases of defilement were reported to police in 2020 compared to 13,613 cases reported in 2019, an increase of 3.8%.
"Police have the responsibility of ensuring that all people are treated respectfully and crimes against them are dealt with seriously regardless of gender. Positive masculinity in this case will emphasise the values of equality, respect and dignity for people of all gender identities," she said.