Researchers from Makerere University have called for a critical shift in the way society views men in the context of gender-based violence.
They argue that men must no longer be seen solely as perpetrators but also as victims of war, trauma, and social exclusion and as potential agents of peace and community transformation.
This urgent call was made during a research dissemination meeting held at Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS).
The event centered around findings from a three-year project titled: “From Violence and Victims to Voices and Visions: Exploring the Power of Mindfulness to Effect Change in Post-Conflict Settings in Northern Uganda.”
Led by Prof. Sarah Ssali the PI and her Co-PI, Dr. Evelyn Lutwama Rukundo, a senior lecturer in the Department of Women and Gender Studies, the project was conducted in partnership with the UK-based Salamander Trust and funded by the Mind and Life Institute (USA).
The research focused on Acholi communities in Northern Uganda specifically Oding, Bukuru A, and Latwong areas deeply affected by more than 20 years of armed conflict and insurgency.
While many NGOs provided post-war recovery support to women and children, the study revealed that men had largely been left out of healing and development interventions.
While presenting the findings, Dr. Evelyn Lutwama Rukundo emphasized that men were forgotten in the post-war recovery efforts.
“Many of the men we met told us they felt forgotten. They were suffering emotionally and economically but received little attention. They were drinking, disengaged, and many had lost hope.”
The research found that the prolonged conflict had severely disrupted community structures, leaving behind a legacy of mental illness, alcoholism, mistrust, prostitution, and economic devastation.
Even more notably, the war had transformed traditional masculinity. Acholi men, once seen as responsible providers and leaders, had become passive, disconnected, and disillusioned.
To address these challenges, the project employed the “Stepping Stones for Peace and Prosperity” methodology, developed by Salamander Trust. The approach uses mindfulness practices, role-play, scenario building, and communication tools to promote emotional healing and mindset change.
“We focused on helping men rediscover their sense of purpose and connection to their families and communities,” said Dr. Rukundo.
“We taught them breathing exercises, communication techniques, and helped them reimagine themselves not as broken victims, but as community builders,” she added.
A particularly effective technique taught was the use of “I statements,” which help people express emotions without placing blame.
Instead of saying “You never listen to me,” participants learned to say things like “I feel unheard when decisions are made without me.”
After the intervention, follow-up visits revealed substantial improvements. WDomestic violence had decreased, communication between spouses had improved, and many young men had abandoned unproductive behaviors like gambling and excessive drinking.
“Young men who previously spent days drinking or gambling were now clearing land for cassava and maize,” Dr. Rukundo reported.
“They told us their lives had changed, they could provide for their families again.”
Beyond individual transformation, the project also spurred community-level development. In Bukuru A, local leaders were inspired by the role-plays and testimonies from participants.
As a result, a new road was constructed, a borehole was drilled, and plans for a new health center were set in motion proof that emotional healing can lead to tangible societal change.
At the dissemination event, Prof. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Women and Gender Studies, stressed the importance of reframing the discourse on men and gender violence.
“We must move away from seeing men only as perpetrators. Many have been victims of conflict too. If we ignore their trauma, we risk perpetuating cycles of violence. But if we engage them, they become part of the solution,” she said.
Prof. Nsibirano further noted the significance of South-led research in influencing real change.
“We’re beginning to produce our own data, our own stories, and our own solutions evidence that can shape policy and change communities,” she emphasized.
The research delivers a clear and compelling message: post-conflict recovery must be inclusive.
True healing and sustainable peace can only be achieved when men are also given the tools and opportunities to reflect, heal, and contribute.
“True gender equality and peacebuilding cannot exclude men. We must restore their voices, their visions, and their value in the development process,” Dr. Rukundo concluded.
Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of Administration and Graduate Training at Makerere University, commended the research team for promoting a mindfulness-based approach that transforms perceptions of individuals affected by war not merely as victims, but as agents of change.
He emphasized that gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant societal challenge, and urged stakeholders to reconsider how men are positioned within this discourse.
“The issue of GBV is a serious one. We need to shift the focus and begin to see men not just as perpetrators, but as part of the solution to this problem," he said.