Domestic violence against men is becoming a serious issue in Kamuli District. In recent years, several incidents involving brutal physical abuse—including genital mutilation—have emerged. These acts have exposed a dangerous reality often overlooked in gender-based violence discussions.
In Ugandan society, many expect men to remain emotionally tough and physically dominant. However, this stereotype prevents male victims from seeking help. Many suffer in silence, afraid to report abuse out of fear of shame or rejection. In the last four years, four severe cases occurred in Kamuli where individuals attacked their male partners with the intent to cause permanent harm. These are not isolated cases—they represent a growing crisis.
Julius Otai, a psychiatric officer and vice president of the Busoga Mental Health Professionals Forum, attributes much of this violence to emotional instability. He explains that relationship stress, often tied to infidelity, triggers depression and aggression. In some cases, individuals lash out violently, believing that harming their partners will solve underlying tensions.
Otai urges communities to expand access to mental health services. With proper counselling and intervention, people can manage emotional issues more constructively. Without these services, he warns, violence may continue to rise and even appear justified. Some perpetrators believe genital harm disables but doesn’t kill—making it, in their view, an effective punishment.
Lillian Tanyinga, principal counsellor at Hope After Rape, says the distortion of gender empowerment messages also contributes to the problem. She emphasizes that healthy relationships require mutual effort, shared values, and respectful dialogue. According to her, rights-based language alone isn’t enough to hold partnerships together. When people misunderstand equality as a power struggle, families become unstable.
Tanyinga recommends community mentorship and structured counselling before and during relationships. These programs would help individuals build skills for conflict resolution and emotional management. She also highlights the importance of balancing modern values with time-tested cultural wisdom.
Meanwhile, the Busoga North Police Department has grown increasingly alarmed. Spokesperson Michael Kasadha reports a disturbing pattern: more attacks specifically targeting male genitals. He encourages affected individuals to seek legal redress and emotional support, rather than resorting to violence. In a recent case, law enforcement responded quickly. Courts convicted the accused, who pleaded guilty and received strong penalties. The ruling aimed to deter future incidents and protect victims from lasting harm.
In response to this crisis, the Busoga Kingdom launched a program called Abasaadha ne’Mpango, or “Men are the Pillars.” The initiative promotes peaceful conflict resolution and the restoration of cultural values that foster harmony. Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV, a UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador, leads this effort. According to Minister Yudaya Babirye Kigenyi, the program will offer mentorship to people of all genders, equipping them to handle relationship challenges without resorting to violence.
At the same time, the Judicial Service Commission is preparing civic education campaigns targeting communities in Kamuli. Commission spokesperson Maria Theresa Nabulya says the new programs aim to uncover root causes of domestic violence against men. Importantly, these efforts include conversations with local leaders and victims to identify practical, peaceful alternatives. For the first time, cases involving male victims are being included in official national reports, which marks a shift toward broader inclusivity.
On a national level, Gender Minister Betty Amongi acknowledged the issue in February. She stated that gender-based violence—including that affecting men, boys, and other marginalized groups—continues to undermine social stability. She described GBV as a public health emergency, a human rights violation, and a serious threat to development. Amongi called for policies that protect all people, regardless of gender, and that promote safe, inclusive communities.
Uganda must respond proactively. It must offer support to survivors, train professionals, and challenge harmful norms. Domestic violence against men deserves the same urgent attention given to other forms of abuse. By fostering open dialogue, investing in mental health, and creating safe spaces, Uganda can build a society where violence has no place in any relationship.
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