Tororo Men Break Silence Over Domestic Abuse, Demand Safe Spaces

A growing number of men in Tororo District have stepped forward to break their silence on domestic abuse, revealing harrowing experiences of physical, emotional, and economic violence behind closed doors. Historically, national surveys and legal frameworks across Uganda have predominantly framed men as perpetrators and women or children as victims. However, during a recent community dialogue organized by the Tieng Adhola Cultural Institution (TACI), male participants shared stories of severe marital abuse, challenging traditional expectations of unwavering male dominance.

The outreach event aimed to disseminate TACI’s Family and Gender Guidelines, which were initially launched in 2023 with support from the International Justice Mission (IJM). Presided over by TACI Prime Minister Richard Josel Obbo, the forum took an unexpected turn when local men began sharing accounts of spousal assault, public humiliation, and economic deprivation.

Stephen Onyango, a 42-year-old clan leader, confessed that he rarely seeks formal justice due to the fear of societal mockery. He described being physically assaulted and insulted in front of his children because of financial constraints. Similarly, Kadwor Owor, a 35-year-old boda boda rider, shared that financial struggles often lead to his wife withholding food and conjugal rights, forcing him to sleep in the sitting room. Other victims noted that verbal degradation—such as being called useless or impotent—causes deep psychological trauma, leading many to feel as though they are “dying inside.”

Cultural leaders and stakeholders acknowledged that patriarchal expectations often force men to endure abuse silently to avoid appearing weak. In response, victims petitioned for dedicated safe spaces, counseling, and legal guidance for male survivors. Prime Minister Obbo commended the men for their courage and clarified that TACI guidelines protect all household members equally. He pledged that the institution will partner with IJM and local police to train leaders, establish men’s dialogue groups, and ensure male complainants are treated with dignity, as reported by the Daily Monitor.