Don’t blame COVID-19: An analysis of increased Sexual gender based violence during lock
down in urban Uganda
Batambuze Salim
School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University, Email:
batambuzesalim@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper is a contestation against attributing the emerging high cases of gender based
violence (GBV) to COVID-19 which only unravelled a range of pre-existing gender oppressive
regimes and environment - that perpetuate gender based violence (GBV). The increased cases
of domestic violence from 1,539 cases in January to 2,803 in May 2020 seem to be associated
with the impact of COVID-19. However, in this paper we argue to the contrary. While in the
pre-COVID-19 work place, social networks provided solace to limit the incidences of GBV, the
lock down disrupted these coping mechanisms exposing the vulnerable men and women to
GBV. As if disrupting the previously known coping mechanisms was not enough, the COVID19 implementation task force had limited consultations with significant women’s/men’s
organizations before announcing the total lockdown hence worsening the situation. The
manner in which COVID-19 taskforce acted also exposed gender pre-existing gender
inequalities. On account of its existential threat, COVID-19 has dominated all traditional
newsrooms as well as the social media spaces with insinuations that it has increased the rate
of gender based violence. Based on an analysis of the available data from Uganda and beyond,
this paper will make practical recommendations regarding mitigation of gender based
violence in the post COVID-19 pandemic.
Key words: pre Covid-19 period, gender, sexual gender based violence.
1. Introduction and background
As the Coronavirus (Covid-19) global pandemic knocked the world, more and more countries,
cities, and communities are adopting dedicated measures to slow the spread of the virus.
While actions such as encouraging individuals to adopt “social distancing”, mandating school
and business closures, and imposing travel restrictions may reduce the transmission of the
infectious disease, unfortunately not all are finding safety in the resulting seclusion (Campbell,
2020). Many family violence (domestic violence, child abuse, and pet abuse) victims may
currently be facing a “worst case” scenario, finding themselves trapped in the home with a
violent perpetrator during a time of severely limited contact with the outside world
(Campbell, 2020). Generally, all national newspapers have reported an upsurge of domestic
violence as reported to Police stations across the country, and most of the victims are women
(Omona, 2020).
Although it is difficult to pin-point which of the forms of violence are happening amidst the
covid-19 lockdown, some or even all the forms indicated in the above definitions are possible
and what has come out prominently and reported in the media is violence which is physical
and one which has resulted into deaths of some victims (Kabonesa & Kindi, 2020). Genderbased violence (GBV) is a global pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. 35% of
women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence
or non-partner sexual violence. Globally, 7% of women have been sexually assaulted by
someone other than a partner. Globally, as many as 38% of murders of women are committed
by an intimate partner. 200 million women have experienced female genital
mutilation/cutting. This issue is not only devastating for survivors of violence and their
families, but also entails significant social and economic costs. In some countries, violence
against women is estimated to cost countries up to 3.7% of their GDP more than double what
most governments spend on education (World Bank, 2019). An increasing risk of domestic
violence-related homicide is also a growing concern reports continue to surface around the
globe of intimate partner homicides with ties to stress or other factors related to the Covid19 pandemic (Campbell, 2020).
The rising level of domestic violence during this COVID-19 lockdown has attracted the
attention of many actors. During his address to the nation on COVID-19 on 4th May, His
Excellency the President, Yoweri Museveni acknowledged the rising level of domestic violence
and counselled people to desist from this. He advised that the family is the basis of life and
that if there is disagreement, it should be resolved through a dialogue. Poverty and hunger in
homes, are primarily causing marital instabilities during this lockdown but in response, the
government started a program of food (Maize mill and Beans) distribution to vulnerable
households (Omona, 2020). The distribution is only restricted to Wakiso and Kampala
districts, considered the most hard-hit districts due to the lockdown, yet there are more than
120 districts in the country. The UN- Women and Embassy of Sweden in Uganda have called
on all parties involved in the COVID-19 response to apply a gender and equity perspective in
the overall response planning and implementation, to ensure that the required social and
economic assistance reach the most vulnerable and marginalised, especially women and girls
(New Vision, 2020). All in all, the case of domestic violence is undeniably on the increase and
failure to address this issue also entails a significant cost for the future
2. Understanding/Framing the argument/conversation about gender based violence
[1-2 pages]
While media reports and anecdotal evidence abound globally on the negative effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic on women and children, including gender-based violence, rigorous, indepth studies are needed to shed light on whether Covid-19 has attributed to Gender Based
Violence in Uganda (Parkes, et al., 2020). In fact Ondeko & Purdin (2019) argues that GBV is a
culturally sensitive issue with the community (Ondeko & Purdin, 2019). The increasing cases
of GBV amidst the coronavirus pandemic highlight the importance of the relationship
between GBV and pandemic situations (Kabonesa & Kindi, 2020). For every 3 months of
lockdown measures around the world, an additional 15 million women and girls were exposed
to gender-based violence (UNHCR, 2021). UN Women notes that one in three women
worldwide experience physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner but since the
outbreak of Covid-19, statistics show that all types of violence against women and girls,
particularly domestic violence, has intensified. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit,
globally, 243 million women and girls were abused by their intimate partners in the past year
(UN Women, 2020). The Socialist Feminist approach espoused by Young (1992) identifies five
faces of oppression/domination as economic exploitation, socio-economic marginalization,
lack of power or autonomy over one’s work, cultural imperialism, and systematic violence.
According to Young, for an individual to be subjected to one of these forms of power is enough
to consider the individual oppressed. The paper argues that women in Uganda face varied
inequalities that cut across the five faces and have always contributed to GBV. They are
economically exploited, and socio-economically marginalized; they lack power or autonomy
over their work particularly because the majority work in the informal sector and in domestic
sphere; they have experienced cultural oppression any time in their lives; and they face
systematic violence. Hence within the Uganda context women are already exposed to GBV
(Campbell, 2020). The increases in GBV are heightened by unequal power relations between
men and women and because women are economically disempowered which renders them
vulnerable (Kabonesa & Kindi, 2020).
Domestic violence became more pervasive during the COVID-19 lockdown because a lot of
people lost their jobs and were frustrated as a result. Additionally, partners and co-habitants
were locked up together and had no money to cater for their families. Women bore the brunt
because they relied on their partners to provide for the family (UN Women, 2020). NTV
Uganda (2020) stated on its twitter handle that COVID-19 didn’t bring Gender-Based Violence
rather created conditions for an underlying problem to worsen; it is unfortunate to have a
bad situation and instead of making things better, another problem comes up
Evidence stated that in Uganda, GBV is traditional and discrimination began with what women
shouldn’t eat (chicken calling it taboo) to inheritance and though Ugandan government put
in place the legal framework to GBV, this hasn’t yielded a lot to empowerment (Nabukeera
Madinah, 2020). Additionally, the president of Uganda in support to end GBV of all forms by
2030 condemned GBV and called it an act of cowardice, primitive and criminal (Kitunzi, 2020).
According to some teachings, some people believe that a woman should submit herself to the
husband as churches submit to Christ Ephesians 5:24. Women continue to be painted voice
less in line with their freedom of expression and speech. Traditional if any person begins a
journey and they first person they meet is a woman, they cancel the journey to go perform
exorcist rituals because women are considered a curse or bad omen. The issue bride price
(exchange of women with material gains) impacts on GBV (Nabukeera Madinah, 2020). The
beliefs, values, attitudes and artefacts support to evaluate and interpret, GBV in various
communities. Since culture forms human behavior it concentrates on customs, traditions,
usage, patterns and habits which is dependent upon control mechanisms that form the order
behaviors (Admin, 2020). It is estimated that GBV incidents cost the Ugandan economy about
UGX 77 billion annually (UNFPA Uganda, 2018). Before the pandemic, in January 2020, the
districts of Lira, Dokolo, Kole, Oyam, Kwania, Amolatar, Apac, Otuke and Alebtong registered
113 cases (Nation Media, 2020). The outbreak and subsequent movement restrictions
exacerbated existing risks of GBV, in particular intimate partner violence, as well as risks of
sexual exploitation while also hampering access to life-saving GBV services (UNHCR, 2021).
According to New Vision, with the pandemic, GBV is on increase, which clearly indicates the
prevalence of GBV even before COVID-19
Close to 3.3 million Ugandans are exposed to adult domestic violence each year, but with the
government committed to only treating Covid-19 pandemic patients, these victims are left
unattended exposed to danger (Nabukeera Madinah, 2021). Silence is not an option anymore,
particularly when up to 22% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced some form of sexual
violence. In 2020 and beyond, let’s pick up the momentum to demand and create a society
that is safe, peaceful and prosperous for everyone through questioning men’s stereotypes,
perceptions and attitudes towards women’s bodies and achieve SDG 5 (Achieve gender equity
and equality).
3. A methodological note [literature review and situation analysis] [ 1 page]
The Interagency Standing Committee Task Force on Gender and Humanitarian Assistance
(IASC) defines Gender Based Violence (GBV) 1 as a “umbrella term for any harmful act that is
perpetuated against a person’s will and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences
between males and females” (IASC, 2005)2. Similarly, UNFPA (2010) defined GBV as violence
perpetrated against a person without her or his consent based on her or his gender role,
responsibilities, expectations, privileges and limitations. It is gender-based violence because
survivors are targeted due to their gender or roles in society; it is physical, mental, or sexual
abuse including acts, attempted or threatened, committed with force, manipulation, or
coercion and without the informed consent of the survivor, directed against a person because
of his or her gender in a society or culture (UNFPA, 2010). The United Nations Declaration
(1993) described GBV as any act of violence that results in physical, sexual, or psychological
suffering to women including threats of coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty whether
1
This definition was also adopted in UNICEF’s Guidelines for Gender-based Violence for Camps in Northern and
Eastern Uganda, launched in northern Uganda on 13 and 14 February 2007.
2
Inter-Agency Steering Committee (IASC). 2005. Guidelines for Gender-Based Violence Interventions in
Humanitarian Settings: Focusing on Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Emergencies. (Field Test
Version). Geneva, Switzerland: IASC.
occurring in public or private life (United Nations Declaration, 1993). It therefore affects both
men and women although women and girls are affected disproportionately (Judy, et al, 2004).
GBV encompasses a range of acts of violence committed, based on how a particular society
assigns and views roles and expectations for these people. It includes sexual violence,
intimate partner or spouse abuse (domestic violence), emotional and psychological abuse,
sex trafficking, forced prostitution, sexual exploitation (Muluneh, Stulz, Francis, & Agho,
2020), sexual harassment, harmful traditional practices for example female genital mutilation
(FGM), forced marriage, infanticide of girl children and discriminatory practices based on
gender (Beth Vann, 2002). However, GBV may take other forms such verbal abuse,
deprivation, physical abuse (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing
objects, criminal coercion, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, trespassing, harassment),
sexual abuse, emotional abuse, controlling or domineering, intimidation, stalking,
passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect), and economic deprivation (Kitara, Odongkara, D.A.
Anywar, Amone, & Komakech, 2012), drinking and gambling by men, polygamy, promiscuous
behavior and casual sex, property grabbing, dowry and bride price, divorce and desertion,
teenage pregnancy, and abusive in-laws (Narayan et al, 2000). Gender-based violence is
increasingly a term that connects all acts of violence rooted in some form of patriarchal
ideology (Brownridge, 2002).
Globally family break ups are on increase since wives can hardly contain the manifestations
of GBV (Subramanian, 2000). In Africa, GBV cannot be understood outside norms and cultural
values. As young boys are socialized according to established norms and are expected to
adopt and operate within these beliefs, they even cope from what they see at their homes
and are acquainted to the system (Uthman, et al, 2009). In Uganda, GBV has reached its
highest peak leaving families in a compromising states of poverty more especially women
being the victims of the circumstance. Poverty levels in families are so high, with women
ranked the poorest compared to their counterpart men (World Bank Report, 2007). A recent
study in Uganda reported that more than 80% of women surveyed respectively had
experienced physical, sexual or psychological violence at some point in their
marriage/intimate relationship (ICRW, 2009). According to UNFPA report 2004, 40% of
women had heard about or had witnessed the rape of a minor. Yet, one in three women in
rural areas of Uganda are subject to verbal or physical threats from partners, while 50% of
these women have been threatened and subsequently receive injuries (UNICEF, 2009).
Beating a female partner was viewed as justifiable in certain circumstances by 70% by their
counterpart males, and 90% justified by women in rural areas of Uganda (WHO, 2005).
According to the 2011 Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS), 62.2% of all women and
58.8% of all men aged 15 to 49 reported experience of physical or sexual violence. The Uganda
violence against children survey 2015 indicated that 35% of girls have experienced sexual
violence and early marriages (Nabukeera Madinah, 2020). The UDHS (2011) indicated that
overall prevalence rates by type of violence were 56% for physical violence, 27.7% for sexual
violence and 42.9% for spousal emotional violence. Sexual violence has reportedly decreased
from 39% in 2006 to 28% in 2011 where 60% of women report having experienced any
violence (UDHS, 2011).
In a 2009 study by the Uganda Law Reform Commission, half of the women surveyed reported
experiencing violence on a daily or weekly basis, and 35% of working women reported marital
violence. Although all women aged 15 to 49 years report a decrease in physical violence (27%
in 2011, down from 34% in 2006), the rate reported among pregnant women (16%) remained
the same. Only 2% of survivors reported the violence. The UDHS shows that the percentage
of men aged 15 to 49 reporting experiencing violence overall increased from 20% in 2006 to
22% in 2011, although the percentage experiencing sexual assault decreased during the same
period from 11% to 9%. UDHS (2016) show that women are more than twice as likely to have
experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives as men (one in five or 22% for women;
one in 10 or 8% for men). The pattern holds for reports of recent sexual violence: 13% of
women and 4% of men reported experiencing sexual violence in the 12 months preceding the
survey. Older women are more likely to report having experienced recent sexual violence than
younger women aged 15 to 19. 13% to 16% of older women and 5% of younger women
reported recent sexual violence. Women in urban areas (9%), women in Acholi sub-region
(5%), and never married women (1%) are less likely than other women to report recent
experience of sexual violence (UNFPA Uganda, 2018).
Theoretical review
Feminist standpoint is the greatest technique to know or understand the views about
Violence Against Women (VAW) and its consequences. Through listening to the voices of the
girls and women that have faced the vice singularly is through a feminist perspective. This
point of view offers a meaningful and considerate perspective of violence by examining how
it is associated to and surrounded in, male-controlled and dominated constructions of control
(Cockburn, 2004). The problems associated to women and girls in Uganda are a true reflection
of the voices explaining their feelings toward violence in their families, homes and
communities. The lived experience of victims of GBV in Uganda is a true reflection of how
they feel and how much it has affected their lives physically, socially, psychologically and
economically they need for all stakeholders to support survivors and perpetrators should be
punished for the vice (Nabukeera, 2020).
4. A situation analysis of gender based violence [ 5-7pages]
a. Pre-covid-19 [Uganda crime reports 2015 to 2019]
Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report (2018) points out that 1409 cases decreased in
2018 compared to those reported in 2017, as the number of domestic violence cases
registered in 2018 which were 13,916 cases reported compared to 15,325 cases in 2017 giving
a 9.2% decrease. The aggravated deaths due to domestic violence reported in 2018 were 362
compared to 361 of 2017. Of those reported in 2018, 1,146 cases were taken to court, out of
which 317 cases secured convictions, 35 cases were acquitted, 317 cases were dismissed and
620 cases were still pending in court while 5,143 cases were still under investigations (Uganda
Police Force, 2018). 14,450 people were victims of Domestic Violence, of whom 2,873 were
male adults, 10,478 were female adults, 541 were male juveniles and 558 female juveniles.
The number of women involved in crime in 2018 was 103 compared to 88 in 2017 putting an
increment of 15 cases (Uganda Police Force, 2018). Incidences of Death through Domestic
Violence reported to the police in 2018 were 362 cases compared to 361 cases in 2017 leading
to a 0.3% increase. By the end of the year of 2018, only 231 cases were taken to court, 214
cases were still pending in court. A total of 107 cases were still under investigations (Uganda
Police Force, 2018). A total of 353 people were killed as a result of aggravated domestic
violence, of whom, 174 were male adults, 138 were female adults, 25 were male juveniles
and 16 were female juveniles. Bukedi region registered the highest number with 1,312 cases
of domestic violence, followed by Aswa with 1,238 cases, North Kyoga with 1,107 cases, Rwizi
had 868 cases, East Kyoga with 828 cases, Greater Masaka with 825 cases, Kigezi had 736
cases, Kiira with 539 cases, Busoga East with 536 cases, Elgon with 523 cases, Albertine had
514 cases and Ssezibwa with 500 cases. Bukedi, Rwizi, East Kyoga, Kiira and Elgon continue to
lead in this category since 2014 (Uganda Police Force, 2018). According to this report, Tororo
District registered the highest with 651 cases, followed by Lira with 525 cases, Sembabule
with 467 cases, Jinja with 347 cases, Omoro with 324 cases, Busia with 315 cases, Mbarara
with 289 cases, Gulu with 286 cases, Katwe Division had 272 cases, Kabale with 271 cases,
Ibanda with 254 cases, Arua with 237 cases, Bukedea with 236 cases and Ngora with 235
cases. Noting the number of murder by Domestic Violence per Region, Aswa registered the
highest number with 55 cases, followed by North Kyoga with 48 cases, Rwizi with 31 cases,
Rwenzori West registered 25 cases, Albertine, East Kyoga and West Nile had 18 cases each,
Bukedi with 17 cases, Mt. Moroto with 16 cases, Greater Bushenyi and Kigezi with 14 cases,
North West Nile and Busoga East with 13 cases among other regions. Regarding cases of
murder by Domestic Violence per District/Division, the highest number of death by domestic
violence were in Amuru with 16 cases, Oyam with 14 cases, Arua with 12 cases, Kole and
Agago registered 11 cases each. Districts of Mbarara, Gulu and Ntungamo registered 10 cases
each (Uganda Police Force, 2018).
The 2017 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report revealed that 15,325 Gender Based Violence
(GBV) crimes were reported, 14,985 defilement cases, 10,021 child neglect cases and other
16,862 sex related crimes were registered. In 2016, the Uganda Demographic and Health
Survey (UDHS) showed that one in four (22 per cent) women aged 15 to 49 experienced sexual
violence at some point while in 2017, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) reported that one
in eight (13 per cent) women had experienced sexual violence in the 12 months preceding the
survey. Twaweza’s Sauti za Wananchi in 2017 found that nearly half (47 percent) of Ugandan
women aged 15 to 49 had experienced violence at the hands of their current or former
partner. Given all the barriers to reporting these crimes, perhaps it is no surprise that the
police reported a modest drop in domestic violence cases between 2018 and 2019 from
13,916 to 13,693 (Alinda, 2020).
In 2015, a total of 10,812 cases of Domestic Violence were reported compared to 10,548 cases
in 2014 giving 2.5% increase. 105 women were accused of causing domestic violence (Uganda
Police Force, 2015). The number of aggravated deaths from Domestic Violence registered in
2015 was 358 compared to 345 cases of 2014 giving a 3.7% increase (Uganda Police Force,
2015). A total of 712 cases were taken to court, out of which 219 cases secured convictions,
20 cases were acquitted, 88 cases were dismissed and 385 cases were still pending in court
while 4,483 cases were still under investigations. 10,625 people were victims of Domestic
Violence, of whom 2,207 were male adults, 7,494 were female adults, 479 were male
juveniles and 445 female juveniles. East Kyoga region registered the highest number with
1,117 cases, followed by Rwizi (1,034 cases), Kiira (971 cases), North Kyoga (888 cases),
Malaba (863 cases) and Elgon (839 cases) among other regions. Districts that registered high
cases included Jinja (633 cases), Kumi (566 cases), Lira (433 cases), Mbarara (431 cases),
Tororo (431 cases) and Sironko (417 cases) (Uganda Police Force, 2015). Death through
Domestic Violence in Aswa Region registered the highest number with 49 cases, followed by
East Kyoga (43 cases), North Kyoga registered 37 cases, Rwizi (34 cases), Albertine (33 cases)
and Rwenzori with 20 cases. Most of these took place in the Districts of Kibaale (22 cases),
Kitgum (18 cases), Amuru (16 cases) Kamwenge (15 cases), Oyam, Isingiro & Agago (14 cases
each) and Katakwi with 11 cases. By the end of the year, 222 cases were taken to court, out
of which 6 cases secured convictions, 1 case was dismissed and 215 cases were still pending
in court. A total of 109 cases were still under investigations (Uganda Police Force, 2015). A
total of 372 people were killed as a result of aggravated domestic violence, of whom 162 were
male adults, 157 were female adults, 32 were male juveniles and 21 were female juveniles
(Uganda Police Force, 2015).
b. During Covid-19 [Uganda crime report 2020] and newspaper cuttings
illustrating sexual gender based violence
The enormity of GBV during this crisis of covid-19 shutdown has been noted by a number of
agencies and media across the globe where Uganda’s media and police have reported an
increase in the number of cases of GBV in the country due to the covid-19 lockdown. Uganda's
ministry of gender, labor and social development on 27th Tuesday April 2020 issued a stern
warning to perpetrators of domestic violence against women and children during the COVID19 period (Xinhua, 2020). Frank Tumwebaze, minister of gender, labor and social
development told reporters here that there has been an increase in gender-based violence
(GBV) as the country is under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "Some of these
cases have already claimed lives of Ugandans even before COVID-19 does so," Tumwebaze
said, noting that between March 30 and April 28, a total of 3,280 cases of GBV were reported
to police. This is in addition to 283 cases of Violence Against Children, according to the
ministry. "These acts of violence degrade the dignity of humanity and are therefore
unacceptable. The perpetrators of this vice must be dealt with decisively and in a timely
manner in accordance with the law," the minister said. He urged law enforcement agencies
like the police to act tough against GBV (Xinhua, 2020). CCEDU (2020) indicates that before
the lockdown, 46 percent of women experienced some form of physical violence from their
partners, but this increased to 56 percent by the first week of the first phase of the lockdown
(CCEDU, 2020) and the rate was estimated to be much higher as the lockdown continues to
bite (Omona, 2020). From March 31st to April 14th, 328 cases of domestic violence were
reported to the Police nationwide. In one week from Monday 20 th April -27th April the Police
in Kampala, the capital city received 297 cases of domestic violence including 35 cases of
home desertion by husbands who have run away after failing to provide food to their families
(New Vision, 2020). Similar cases of desertions and violence have been reported across the
country, but the unreported cases could be much higher especially in rural areas where most
people are either un aware of their rights or are far away from protective services. On
Wednesday 22 April, Daily Monitor reported how a 53-year-old man in Sironko district was
allegedly beaten to death by his 27-year-old son over Shs 6,000 (0.5 US dollars) which he had
borrowed from the son but had failed to pay back (Daily Monitor, 2020). A local TV, Bukedde
in the week starting 22nd April aired a story of a women from a suburb of Kampala whose
head was hit by her husband, when she asked for money to buy food. In one township in
Western Uganda, a woman reportedly poured hot porridge on her 35-year-old husband,
accusing him for failing to provide food for the family. The couple had just stayed in marriage
for only two months (Daily Monitor, 2020). The domestic violence situation in other regions
of the country especially in northern Uganda could be more alarming as the region emerging
from the more than two decades of civil war (1986-2006) and before the lockdown, it had the
highest cases of domestic violence in the country because the psychosocial and economic
effects of the war are still lingering in many communities, households and individuals (Omona,
2020). A case in point from this region is the recently widely shared online video during the
lockdown of a youth (20+ years) captured torturing a grandmother (65+ years) for allegedly
refusing to show him his father’s clan3. The Independent, a local magazine on 16th April 2020
reported that police had far recorded 328 cases of domestic violence since the COVID-19
lockdown (The Independent, 2020). The magazine also reported that 102 cases of child
neglect had been recorded by police.
In Moyo District in December 2020, 33 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV),
were reported by telephone call to the Trans Nile Broadcasting Service (TBS), a local radio
station, in the first three months of the Covid-19 lock down (Alinda, 2020). Statistics from
police in Lango Sub-region October 2020 showed a worrying trend in domestic violence cases.
In eight months alone, the area had registered 1,180 cases. Last year’s Police Crime Report
indicated that the North Kyoga region registered 808 cases of domestic violence (Nation
Media, 2020). In the districts of Lira, Dokolo, Kole, Oyam, Kwania, Amolatar, Apac, Otuke and
Alebtong, the cases increased to 132 in March, 136 in April, 124 in May, 170 in June, 145 in
July and 182 and 178 cases in August and September, respectively (Nation Media, 2020).
According to Uganda Red Cross (2020), men were the worst victims of gender based violence
in Kampala city slums during the Covid-19 induced lockdown as many of them were
psychologically tortured due to their inability to provide for their families (Uganda Red Cross,
2020).
Uganda Police Force Crime Report (2020) the number of domestic violence cases registered
were 17,664 cases. Of 18,872 people who were victims of Domestic Violence, 3,408 were
male adults, 13,145 were female adults, 1,133 were male juveniles while 1,186 were female
juveniles. Considering all the cases registered by Uganda Police in 2020, Domestic Violence
represented 09% of the crimes reported (Uganda Police Force, 2020). According to this report,
domestic violence was mainly caused by; the total lockdown of the country to stop the spread
of Covid-19 pandemic kept families together, also in the process a number of people lost their
livelihoods causing friction in the family thus fuelling domestic violence, dispute over family
property, failure to provide for the family, drug and alcohol abuse, and cases of infidelity.
Domestic violence was highest in Albertine Region in 2020, followed East Kyoga, Aswa,
Rwenzori East among others (Uganda Police Force, 2020)
3
The boy is allegedly born out of wedlock during the insurgency and the mother died when he was still young
but had neither disclosed the name of the father nor his clan to her family. Now the boy is staying with the
grandmother.
Figure 1: Regions leading in Domestic violence
Regions with the least cases of domestic violence in 2020 were CID Headquarters with 28
cases, followed by Wamala with 84 cases, Rwenzori East had 94 cases, Busoga North had 188
cases, Kidepo with 211 cases and Katonga registered 231 cases. Basing on the
District/Divisional Performance, Old Kampala Division registered the highest number of cases
of Domestic violence in 2020, followed by Tororo District, Kiryandongo and Kabarole among
others. 10 Districts/Divisions did not register any case of domestic violence. These are
Kyenjojo, Kumi, Kakiri Division, Kalaki, Bududa, Luuka, Madi Okolo, Kalungu, Kakumiro and
Kitagwenda.
Figure 2: District/Division leading in Domestic Violence
S/NO District/Division
No. of Cases Reported
1
Old Kampala Division 733
2
Tororo
563
3
Kiryandongo
501
4
Kabarole
484
5
Omoro
351
6
Soroti
340
7
Kagadi
335
8
Gulu
330
9
Bukedea
321
10
Kyotera
313
Incidences of murder as a result of Domestic Violence reported to the police in 2020 were
418 cases compared to 360 cases reported in 2019, giving a 16.1% increase. A total of 440
people were killed as a result of aggravated domestic violence, of whom, 213 were male
adults, 169 were female adults, 33 were male juveniles and 24 were female juveniles. Aswa
region had the highest number of cases of murder as a result of domestic violence in 2020,
followed by Albertine, Rwizi, Rwenzori West and Kigezi
Figure 3: Regions Leading in Murder by Domestic Violence
Busoga North, Kiira and Rwenzori East regions did not register any case of death as a result of
domestic violence in 2020. Murder as a result of domestic violence were registered highest
in Amuru District, followed by Mubende, Ntungamo, Kakumiro and Kisoro. 50
Districts/divisions did not register any case of murder as a result of domestic violence.
Jinja Road CRB 347/2020, Murder by Hacking of Nambozo Kisaki, Shaban Baluleke and Musa
Kadwanga On 07/05/2020 during the night at unknown time at Banda B 3 Zone, Nakawa
Division in Kampala District, one Mbago Kadwanga Yasin 46yrs, Musoga by tribe, a Boda boda
rider and R/O the same address murdered his wife one Nambozo Kisaki and his two sons;
Shaban Baluleke 6yrs and Musa Kadwanga 8yrs. It is alleged that the suspect had gone to
traditional doctors for riches and that he was advised to sacrifice some of his family members.
He hacked to death his wife and two sons, stuffing each body in a sack and locked them in the
house. The bodies were recovered on 08/05/2020 at around 1151hrs. Suspect was charged
to court and committed to High court on 07/09/2020 awaiting trial (Uganda Police Force,
2020).
c. Comparison of the pre and during Covid-19 period
The national data shows 58% of women have experienced intimate partner violence, with the
majority of first experiences occurring in 15-24 year olds (Peterman, Bleck and Palermo,
2015). 35% of 18-24-year-old girls and 17% of boys reported childhood sexual violence
nationally (Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, 2018). Over 22% of women
experienced sexual violence during lockdown; GBV cases increased to 3,280 with only 1,148
reported to police (Abet, 2020; Emorut, 2020). According to the Uganda Police Force Crime
Report (2020) the number of domestic violence cases registered were 17,664 cases compared
to 13,693 reported in 2019, making a difference of 4,025 cases leading to a 29% increase. Of
18,872 people who were victims of Domestic Violence, 3,408 were male adults, 13,145 were
female adults, 1,133 were male juveniles while 1,186 were female juveniles. Considering all
the cases registered by Uganda Police in 2020, Domestic Violence represented 09% of the
crimes reported (Uganda Police Force, 2020). The murder as a result of Domestic Violence
registered in 2020 were 418 cases compared to 360 cases reported in 2019, giving a 16.1%
increase and this was because of the lockdown where families were at home (Uganda Police
Force, 2020). A total of 440 people were killed as a result of aggravated domestic violence, of
whom, 213 were male adults, 169 were female adults, 33 were male juveniles and 24 were
female juveniles as compared to 373 people killed in 2019 as a result of domestic violence, of
whom, 175 were male adults, 141 were female adults, 37 were male juveniles and 20 were
female juveniles (Uganda Police Force, 2020). A total of 1,359 cases were taken to court, out
of which 400 cases secured convictions, 06 cases were acquitted, 88 cases were dismissed
and 864 cases were still pending in court while 6,207 cases were still under investigations.
5. Conclusion and recommendations [1-2pages]
The reality is, we were hardly “winning” the fight to end gender domestic violence (GBV) even
before this pandemic shook the world. Many agencies around the globe were already feeling
the strain of an ever-increasing workload and continually diminishing resources. Many find
themselves facing even greater barriers as they struggle to find ways to reach these families
who were cut-off from the rest of the community and likely at great risk of harm. This
relationship between GBV and Covid-19 has been strongly linked to Covid-19 lockdown,
quarantine and social isolation of families that create tensions between the spouses/partners
as well as tensions mostly related to the man’s economic provisioning role. The majority of
Uganda population do not earn a monthly income, since there is no working due to the
Corona-19 lockdown the families are economically constrained that lead to quarrels and may
escalate into fighting. The food and livelihood insecurities resulting from the lockdown is
possible to have increased social tensions between family members. Besides, the loss of
income and social support of many women following the lockdown has made them a target
of violence because perpetrators know such women are less likely to report abuse or seek
assistance, in the context of covid-19 lockdown where even agencies that handle cases of GBV
are closed. In Uganda the social media particularly WhatsApp, Twitter and face book have
been showing cases of GBV. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a common problem in many
districts across Uganda, leading to high levels of mortality and morbidity, especially of women
From the study it was clear that the lockdown had constrained opportunities for intimate
partnerships and put pressure on their relationships. Overall, the study points to the potential
for lockdown measures to amplify intersecting gender and economic inequalities. The
increase of the forms of structural violence during lockdown erupted into direct forms of
violence. The economic shocks to families and lockdown conditions were associated by some
with increased fights and domestic violence among neighbouring families, and irregularly in
their own families. The deepening of economic insecurities during the lockdown put pressure
on family relationships, in some instances creating conflict in families
The study believes that GBV is caused by underlying causes such as pre-existing gender
inequalities in which Covid-19 pandemic aggravates such underlying situation which then
matures into GBV. The increase in cases of GBV during COVID 19 Lockdown, calls for the
responsible government ministries and agencies (such as security organs with support from
the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development) to prioritize measures to address
cases of gender based violence. In such cases GBV should either be addressed on its own right
or should be elevated to the status of priorities to be addressed during public health crisis and
resourced accordingly. These have a vital need to strengthen and enhance approaches to
reduce these multiple pressures, that combine to amplify inequalities and injustices, creating
anxiety and distress amongst people.
Government of Uganda should to committee funds to GBV against if the vice is to be dealt
with efficiently and effectively. Additionally, there is need to strengthen efforts to establish
specialized courts to handle GBV and related cases. Mobile court sessions for GBV survivors,
as well as the engagement of communities, religious, cultural and political leaders using multisectoral channels.
As a strategy targeted to improving relations between human welfare, family violence victimserving agencies need explore new and expanded community partnerships. Many postal
workers, garbage collectors, food delivery staff, and home repair are traveling through
neighbourhoods during the global crisis and they may still have opportunity to detect GBV in
the home and report their concerns to the proper authorities. Though many communities
around the globe now find themselves physically separated by the threat of spreading the
virus, opportunities to remain connected through this difficult time still exist. Communities
must ensure citizens are aware of the current increased risk of GBV, encourage them to check
on their neighbours, friends, and family and report any concerns they see or hear to the
proper authorities.
There is need for gender sensitization of communities on gender based violence and its effects
especially in situations of health related emergencies. Civic awareness about the rights and
freedoms as well as dignity of humanity should engage all religious, cultural and political
leaders, first by stopping immediately the religious and cultural practices that marginalize
women and children. Otherwise, government and civil society efforts to fight gender-based
violence without addressing the histology and entire ecology of this social injustice.
Investment in public awareness campaigns on the media working alongside community-based
organisations could promote bystander interventions, and encouraging neighbours to ‘bang
on pots’ if there is violence in a neighbour’s house.
There is need for encouraging of informal (and virtual) social support networks. Within the
contexts of pandemics, there are a number of options to scale-up and leverage existing online
and virtual platforms for online support networks. In settings without options for online
platforms, options for text-based (WhatsApp) networks can be encouraged, building on
existing women’s groups and collectives. Such platforms to women can air their views and
concerns about GBV beyond relating them to Covid.
There is need to provide women SACCOs with skills in sewing, bicycle mechanics, basket
weaving, microfinance, safe water, agriculture and adult education programs. This will reduce
boredom, redundancy and empower rural women to earn a living and make decisions.
However, women should understand that gaining empowerment is not an end of the
relationship with the husband and doesn’t call for disrespecting the husband. Therefore, she
should give him due respect and always negotiate that arise amicably.
The Ministry of Health needs to enact a policy on the prevention and management of GBV,
accompanied by investments in the health system for that purpose. Investments could
include specific training of staff to do health education, proper case management and
counselling, conducting collect evidence for use by the police and research on GBV;
equipment of the sufficient health facilities at least at district level to conduct forensic
investigations; staffing the health facilities adequately, to reduce on staff workload and
ensure improvement of the quality of patient care.
References
Alinda, V. (2020, March Thursday 18). Did Covid-19 erode progress in fighting gender-based
violence?
Campbell, A. M. (2020). An increasing risk of family violence during the Covid-19 pandemic:
Strengthening community collaborations to save lives. doi:10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100089
CCEDU. (2020). Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU). Retrieved from
https://www.watchdoguganda.com
Daily Monitor. (2020, April, Friday 24). Daily Monitor. (115), 12.
Daily Monitor. (2020, May Tuesday, 5). Daily Monitor, Uganda's Leading Daily. 22.
IASC. (2005, September). Inter-Agency Standing Committee, Guidelines for Gender-based Violence
Interventions in Humanitarian Settings.
Kabonesa, C., & Kindi, &. F. (2020, April). Assessing the relationship between Gender Based Violence
and Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda.
Kitara, Odongkara, D.A. Anywar, P. A., Amone, & Komakech, &. D. (2012). Domestic violence in Gulu,
Northern Uganda. East Cent. Afr. J. surg.
Muluneh, M. D., Stulz, V., Francis, L., & Agho, &. K. (2020). Gender Based Violence against Women in
Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies.
International Journal of Environmnetal Research and Public Health.
doi:10.3390/ijerph17030903
Nabukeera Madinah. (2020). The Gender Issues in Uganda: An Analysis of Gender-Based Violence,
Asset Ownership and Employment in Uganda. Urban Studies and Public Administration, 3(3).
Nabukeera, M. (2020). Prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) during novel Covid19 lock-down in Uganda. The Journal of Protection. doi:10.1108/JAP-08-2020-0032
Nation Media. (2020, November Monday, 30). Don’t drop guard on domestic violence.
New Vision. (2020, April 27). New Vision. 35(086), 6.
New Vision. (2020, April Friday, 24th ). New Vision. 35(85), 12.
Omona, J. (2020). COVID-19 and Domestic Violence in Uganda.
Ondeko, R., & Purdin, &. S. (2019). Understanding the causes of gender-based violence.
Parkes, J., Datzberger, S., Howell, C., Kasidi, J., Kiwanuka, T., Knight, L., . . . Devries, &. K. (2020,
October). Young People, Inequality and Violence during the COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda.
The Independent. (2020, April 16). the Independent. Retrieved from independent.co.ug
Uganda Police Force. (2015). Draft Annual Crime Report.
Uganda Police Force. (2018). Annual Crime Report.
Uganda Police Force. (2020). Annual Crime Report.
Uganda Red Cross. (2020, October Thursday). Covid lockdown worsened violence against men –
study.
UN Women. (2020, December Monday, 7). What happened after COVID-19 hit: Uganda.
UNFPA. (2010, November). understanding GBV in emergencies; participant Manuel.
UNFPA Uganda. (2018). Evaluation of UNFPA support to the prevention, response to and elimination
of gender-based violence, and harmful practices: Uganda Case study. (A. Chambel, J. Barnes,
& &. C. Whitaker, Eds.)
UNHCR. (2021, March). Protecting Forcibly Displaced Women and Girls during the Covid-19
Pandemic; Examples of UNHCR gender responsive and gender-based violence (GBV)
prevention, risk mitigation and response interventions.
World Bank. (2019, September 25). Gender-Based Violence (Violence Against Women and Girls).
Xinhua. (2020, April 28). Domestic violence against women increases in Uganda amid COVID-19:
minister. (huaxia, Ed.)