The Bamasaaba community has been urged to take action to eliminate violence, including deaths related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
In a statement addressing the media on domestic violence in the Elgon region, Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of the Bamasaaba people, emphasized the cultural institution’s responsibility to guide the community toward peaceful and settled lives. “As a cultural institution, we have a duty to ensure that our people live in peace and harmony,” Masiga said.
He further stressed that no one has the right to take another person’s life. “The Constitution of Uganda, along with other laws such as the Penal Code Act, makes it an offense to take the life of another person,” Masiga added.
Recent reports from Bududa and Namisindwa highlighted disturbing cases of domestic violence. In these separate incidents, men unlawfully killed their wives. In Mbale City, a man strangled a 15-year-old girl, a student at Nakaloke SSS, in a lodge. In another case in Namakwekwe, a graduate in procurement was unlawfully killed by a group of individuals.
The cultural institution has a duty to reach out to the community and promote peaceful coexistence. Domestic violence has disrupted many families, resulting in negative outcomes such as children being left on the streets and other criminal activities like murders, robberies, and thefts.
Masiga also highlighted the issue of early drinking, urging the cultural institution to sensitize the community on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption at a young age. “Uganda has punitive laws on theft, murder, and domestic violence, and our people must be educated on the consequences of violating these laws,” he added.
Steven Masiga made these remarks during a recent press briefing on domestic violence in Bugisu.
