IJM Supports Cultural Institution to Launch Gender and Family Guidelines in Uganda

In yet another milestone, IJM Uganda has supported the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) Kingdom in Western Uganda to publish and launch a handbook on family and gender guidelines.

The newly launched handbook spells out ways in which families can peacefully coexist. It also recognizes the need to hold perpetrators of capital offences such as sexual and physical assault accountable through the formal public justice system.

This is the second cultural institution in Uganda that IJM has supported in a similar initiative aimed at protecting women and children from violence. In December 2023, similar guidelines were launched at the Tieng Adhola Kingdom in eastern Uganda. Uganda has 17 cultural institutions and monarchs recognized by the government. These monarchs are provided for under the country’s constitution with the role of promoting and preserving ethnic identity, including indigenous languages, beliefs, values, norms, and practices.

The 2023 Annual Uganda Police Crime Report shows that Rwenzururu, particularly the Kasese district, ranks second highest in domestic violence with 1,538 cases reported.

Given the high prevalence, IJM initiated engagements with the Kingdom to revise its existing cultural guidelines in December 2022. A series of meetings were held with the Kingdom officials to review, validate, draft, publish and officially launch the handbook.

In his remarks during the official launch of the guidelines, King Charles Wesley Mumbere made firm pronouncements to his subjects to stop the negative cultural norms that perpetuate violence in homes; resulting in trauma and mental anguish for victims, and sometimes death.

Reflecting on the publication, the king stated, “This (book) is a blueprint for action - a guide that will steer our efforts to dismantle barriers and foster inclusivity. Achieving gender equality requires the collective efforts of all members of society. It requires challenging harmful stereotypes, advocating for fairness in every facet of life, and creating spaces where everyone feels appreciated and valued.”

The ceremony was attended by the area Member of Parliament, the Kingdom’s cabinet, the community, local, religious and district leaders among others. Survivors under the Rwenzori GSN local chapter presented a skit depicting the nature of violence and why it is critical to hold perpetrators of violence accountable through the formal justice system.

About International Justice Mission Canada
International Justice Mission partners with local authorities in 33 program offices in 18 countries to combat slavery, violence against women and children and police abuse of power. IJM’s mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Learn more at: IJM.ca.