UGANDA: Church Leaders Asked to spearhead the fight against Domestic Violence

The Executive Secretary at
the Uganda Episcopal Conference Social Communications Department, Rev.
Fr   Philip Odii has called on the Church leaders and Catholic Communicators in Uganda to intensify
their fight against domestic violence; the vice which, according to him, is tearing the
family apart. 

 

Fr Odii highlighted this
during an evaluation workshop of the domestic violence prevention programme held: for the Priests,  on July 10 in Gulu District and for
the Diocesan Communication coordinators and Radio presenters, on July 13 in
Kampala

 

He said that, domestic
violence has far reaching negative multiplier effect, which not only ends with
the victim, but also extend to those in their comfort zones.  “How will
you feel as a priest, to bury one of your Christian, niece or nephew killed as
result of domestic brawl? These things affect us directly or indirectly, “he
said.  

 

According to Fr Odii, with
or without the resources, church leaders need to spearhead the fight against
the vice, which he said is tearing the family apart. 

 

“To succeed on certain
issue, you must be convinced about it. This conviction will lead to commitment.
So it’s my humble request that with or without money let’s take the lead and
end violence, I want to hear you speak about it he,” he added. 

 

He however, acknowledged
that some efforts have been made by the church to eliminate the vice. “I am happy
that you (priests) are doing something, but we need to double our efforts,” he
said.

 

Mrs Florence Kwesigabo, the
National Programme Officer for the Domestic Violence Prevention Desk
of UEC,
backed up Fr. Odii’s observation adding that priests are also likely to suffer
from the effect of the violence.   “A child
brought up in a violent environment may also hurt you personally and the Church, that is why we say that the religious leaders have also a great role to play,”
she said.

 

During the review
participants, said the campaign is yielding fruits, with a number of family
coming up to confess that it has united them.  

 

 “This campaign is
working miracles, a number of women have approached me that they are now at
piece with their husband because of the message they have been getting over the
radio,” a participant at the workshop stated.

 

Domestic violence has
negative impact on production and prosperity, fuels the HIV Epidemic according
to National HIV/AIDs strategic plan 2008/2012. It reduces the economic
development of a nation as reported in the UN secretary General report on
Violence against women in 2007.

 

The review is part of the
wider efforts by the Catholic Church through the Uganda Episcopal Conference to
prevent domestic violence in families.   The campaign funded by TROCAIRE
and Irish Aid has been running for the past five years. It’s implemented
through the Domestic Violence Prevention Desk of UEC and Social Communications
department.