KABALA – Experts have warned that domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) remains a deeply rooted scourge, relentlessly tearing families apart within communities across Uganda.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The warning was issued by community development specialists during a media engagement in Kabale, where they openly dissected the current gaps in social responsibility that continue to fuel domestic instability.
Domiano Nyesiga of the PAG Social Development Department stated that society is neglecting the boy child while focusing heavily on the girl child, warning that this imbalance affects how boys grow up and behave in society.
He explained that without equal attention and guidance, the boy child may grow into men who struggle with emotional regulation, respect, and conflict resolution.
“We are raising our girls to shine, but we are leaving our boys to struggle in silence. A neglected boy child grows into a man who cannot regulate his emotions, respect a partner, or resolve conflict without violence,” observed Domiano.
Experts also observed that while women’s economic empowerment benefits national development, it can create misunderstandings in families where respect and shared roles are not well balanced.
Bruce Saturday, a Self-Help Group Officer, emphasized that communication is the most underused tool in preventing domestic violence, stressing that open discussion in families makes them far more likely to resolve conflicts peacefully.
He also highlighted that financial stress remains a major cause of domestic conflict and urged families to work together to improve their livelihoods rather than placing heavy financial burdens on a single partner.
Cohen Tayebwa, an officer in the agricultural department at PAG Social Development Services, added that genuine equality between men and women, not competition, can help reduce domestic violence.
He further praised local leaders for playing an important role in addressing family-related conflicts and called on communities to unite in the fight against gender-based violence.
The Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, released recently, highlights persistent critical concerns regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and domestic violence.
Despite a dip in reported cases in 2024, violence against women and children remains a major, often underreported issue, with over 56% of married women aged 15–49 experiencing spousal violence.
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