Bundibugyo, Uganda, July 26: In Bundibugyo, Uganda, domestic violence is so pervasive that it seems almost every woman has been affected. The situation is highlighted by a local non-profit, Ourganda, which recently staged a dramatic skit to draw attention to the crisis. The performance, depicting a drunken husband violently confronting his wife, resonated deeply with many villagers, reflecting their harsh reality.
Ourganda, affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has launched a campaign to tackle this issue head-on. Their approach involves staging performances to educate the community and using signed pledges as a preventive measure. Men accused of domestic violence are asked to sign a “reconciliation form,” pledging not to repeat their offenses. This form serves as a deterrent and a tool for future prosecution if the pledge is broken.
The group’s efforts began in 2022 after a case of severe domestic violence involving a woman and her child, which led to the successful prosecution of the offender. This initiative has gained traction, with only a small percentage of signatories violating their pledges.
Despite these efforts, domestic violence remains a significant issue. A 2020 survey indicated that 95% of Ugandan women and girls had experienced physical or sexual violence. In Bundibugyo, gender-based violence often stems from financial disputes, disagreements, and substance abuse, with many cases going unreported.
Ourganda’s work includes creating support networks such as the “Mankind Club” and “Soul Sisters,” who provide counseling and shelter. Their programs aim to educate both victims and perpetrators, working towards a community where violence is no longer tolerated.
Efforts continue to expand these initiatives to more villages, with the hope of fostering greater awareness and reducing the prevalence of domestic violence in Uganda.