Women leaders blame rise in murder cases on domestic violence

RUBANDA | A section of women leaders in Rubanda District have attributed the rising number of murder cases in the Kigezi Sub-region to an increase in domestic violence.

Led by their chairperson Matilda Kyarukunda, District Vice Chairperson Prosy Kesafari Akampurira, and District Speaker Marry Waguma, the women voiced the concerns during a workshop aimed at empowering women leaders to access government programmes.

The workshop, held at Rukiiko Hall in Rubanda District, was organised by the office of the Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, in collaboration with Rubanda District chairman's office.

Their apprehensions were sparked off by a recent tragic incident involving the alleged murder of a 45-year-old woman, Shallon Niwamanya, by her husband John Muhimba, in Karukara Cell, Karukara Ward in Hamurwa Town Council.

According to Joyce Kenganzi, the Rubanda District probation officer, her office records three to four cases of gender-based violence and child neglect weekly.

Topista Twembi, a human rights officer at the Uganda Human Rights Commission Kabale Regional Office and one of the facilitators of the workshop, disclosed that their office handles seven to 10 cases of domestic violence weekly.

“On a daily bases we can receive 7 out of 10 people do come to our office to register complaining about family issues," Twembi said.

"With this training of women leaders in Rubanda, we look at it as an opportunity because we believe that when these leaders are educated, they will take the information down to other women."

Kesafari and Twembi stressed the importance of cooperation, trust, honesty, and transparency among family members to mitigate domestic violence cases in the region.

They commended Minister Musasizi for his initiative and funding, stating that workshops like these would enlighten them on how to address family-related issues.

Rubanda chairman Steven Kasyaba attributed domestic violence cases in the area to poverty and drug abuse, which often result in conflicts between spouses.

He also expressed gratitude towards Minister Musasizi for funding such workshops, suggesting that educating men could help reduce the incidence of domestic violence.

“First and foremost, what is leading to increased number of domestic violence is poverty, we all know that when has what to do every morning then there cannot be issues of violence," he said.

"Through such workshops, women will be empowered and support their families. Next time we shall also educate men in order to eradicate issues to do with domestic violence."