1

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the background to the study, statement of the problem, purpose,
objectives, research questions, scope and significance of the study.

1.1 Background to the Study

Domestic violence is one of the most prevalent acts of violence perpetrated against women.
It describes all forms of violence between partners whether legally married or not. Domestic
violence against women include psychological, physical, sexual and economic abuse
perpetrated by intimate partners such as husbands or other family members with in or out
side the households (Human Rights Watch/Africa, 1995).

Domestic violence is used describe any form of abuse between intimate partners including
rape, beating, verbal attacks and with holding funds or denial of food and basic needs such as
health care. In Uganda, according to women activities in some communities wife battering
that does not result in serious injury is tolerated and considered normal part of marriage. As
result of under reporting of domestic violence, the rates are difficult to measure with absolute
accuracy, hence making it more difficult to ascertain the magnitude of the effect on the
victims of domestic violence. In August 2002 UN committee on the elimination of
discrimination against women, (CEDANW Committee) expressed concern at the high levels
of violence against women. It was found out that battered women rarely report domestic
violence cases due to lack of confidence in the legal system.

In Kampala city a study that examined domestic violence among women attending prenatal
clinic in Mulago Hospital found out that 40.7% of women reported physical assaults in the
year before conceiving. Cases of domestic violence reported, show an increasing rate in 2000
the number of cases recorded by the probation and social welfare office in Kampala in 2004
and there were 320 cases, 2001-420 cases, 2002 497 cases, 2003 500 cases and 590 cases in
2005. Much as there are efforts by government to emancipate women through legislation,
 2

domestic violence continues under reported. This has a resultant effect on to their children
and their family members depending on the nature and the one meting it onto others.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Domestic violence has stayed too long behind closed doors in households. In some parts of the
country, it is not uncommon for women to suffer terrible abuse for example beatings at the
hands of their husbands, but for these crimes to go unnoticed by state organs, unreported or
un prosecuted is worrying. The traditional belief that men are supreme in the household, and
are entitled to use force to bring their wives into line, means that men, women and the
authorities often fail to recognise how unacceptable domestic violence is. More horrendous
cases of domestic violence such as women being battered, burned, psychologically tortured
and emotionally traumatized are in place. Cases have been reported at police where women
and children have sustained grievous harm as a result of the endless fights between parents or
guardians, this compromises community development. In light of the rampant domestic
violence which appears to be on the increase in our society, therefore the study investigated
the effects of domestic violence on households in Kamukuzi Division.

1.3 Purpose of the study

The study was aimed at establishing the effects of domestic violence on house holds in Kamukuzi
Division, Mbarara Municipality.

1.4 Objectives of the study

The study was guided by the following objectives:
(i) To establish the forms of domestic violence existing in house holds in Kamukuzi
division.
(ii) To establish the effect of domestic violence on house holds in Kamukuzi
Division.
(iii) To find out ways of minimizing domestic violence in Kamukuzi Division.

1.5 Research Questions

The following research questions were answered:
(i) What are the major forms and nature of domestic violence existing in households in
 3

Kamukuzi Division
(ii) What are the effects of domestic violence on households Kamukuzi Division?
(iii) What are the possible ways of minimizing domestic violence in Kamukuzi Division?
1.6 Scope of the study
In content, the study was limited to forms of domestic violence, its effect on women’s participation
in community development and ways of minimizing domestic violence in M Kamukuzi
Division.

The study was carried out Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality, which is comprised of three
divisions namely Kakoba, Kamukuzi and Nyamitanga.

1.7 Significance of the study

Study findings may benefit the government, law enforcement and the Law Reform Commission in
being vigilant to enforcing the law.

It will also benefit the government by getting information on how to take care of victims of
domestic violence and providing them with shelter and prosecution of their cases.

It will also benefit organizations like FIDA-Ug, in strengthening their efforts to fight the gap
between men and women being the root of domestic violence.

It will also benefit researchers with literature for future use.

CHAPTER TWO
 4

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction
The study examined related literature on the effects of domestic violence on house holds in
Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality. This chapter gave a critical review of what others
have written on the subject of domestic violence showing what has been done. Review is
done thematically as; forms of domestic violence, its effect on house holds and ways of
minimizing domestic violence in Mbarara Municipality.

2.2 Nature of Domestic Violence

According to Kummel (2000), violence knows no class, racial or ethnic bounds, educated,
successful, sophisticated men lawyers, doctors, politicians, and business executives, beat
their wives as regularly and viciously as dock workers. Yet there are some differences for
example one of the least predictor’s of the on set of domestic violence is psychologists have
shown that both sexes consistently value men highly than women. Women who value
intellectual attainment fell they must reject the women race but men in all ways are superior
to women Safilos, (1972). However, women who are educated are aware of domestic
violence and can know their right’s but may do little to inform us whether despite their
development attainment are still victims of violence, or not and whether their status may not
as well be away of making them violent against their husband’s or even making them
rebellions to their husband’s which may lead to their husbands being violent against them.
So the reason for more research to fill the gap left however, his research may be useful to the
researcher when categorizing violence in the area of study.

According to Mushanga, (1994) in the majority of homicides in Africa the crime is committed by
young adults against younger female lovers. People aged 20 - 30 years are frequently the
offenders as well as the victims although these indication that she the offenders tend to be a
little younger than the victims when the latter happen to be males. Further the old and the
young are rarely involved against each other in homicide situations. If and when they are
most likely victims than offenders. In the majority homicides in Africa, the victim and the
offender are released or known to each other. Whilst Mushanga was more interested with
cases of homicide his work can be of great importance when looking at the nature of
 5

domestic violence as regards to age. What is left is to indicate the reasons why the variations
in age also differ in narrow the all study down to household level.

Kummel, (2000) argues that domestic violence varies as balance of power in relationships shift,
when all the decisions are made by one spouse, rates of spouse abuse whether committed by
the woman or men are at their highest level to him violence against women is most common
in those households in which power is concentrated in hands of husbands. He contends that
men tend to use domestic violence instrumentally for the specific purpose of starching fear
and terror in the wives heart to ensure compliance and passive acceptance of the husbands.

Much as Kummel, (2000) showed why men use violence against their wives although he does not
relate it to why women may use violence against their husbands, there is also need to show of
men and women who abuse the other most and why. The research carried out by Kummel
however, poses a good guide for the researcher to investigate the ways in which men abuse
their wives in the area of study.

According to NAWJ- Ug, (1996) women occasionally abuse their male partners, however cases
show that women are the men victims of domestic violence thus is born out of the fact some
customary practices allow the beating of female partners in marriage. The research done by
NAWJ-Ug may be useful in showing the nature of violence in households but there was need
for research to be carried to ascertain whether the case may apply for Mbarara Municipality
and whether all cultures allow for the beating of wives and finally if there has not been any
change in societal attitudes given the dynamic nature of our society in the age of rising
human rights Activities.

2.3 Effects of domestic violence on households

The debates about women development lie in the discourse of the early 1970s. In the immediate
post-war understandings of development, women were invisible as wives and mothers they
were the positive recipients of welfare policies, Heward (1999). However, advancements in
the conditions of women have been made and not just in the developed countries of the north
and west where legislation appears- not always justifiable to protect and guarantee their
rights among the developing countries Uganda inclusive. Never the less, the economic
 6

empowerment of women through education and business opportunity is seen as the way
forward to stronger healthier developed nations, (Drake, 1998).

Since most of the rural population in Uganda is still below poverty line, it has been of great
concern to first develop rural areas like domestic violence, illiteracy, little income earned
inequalities between different age and sex. Katar Singh defined rural development as a
strategy to enable a specific group of people, poor rural men and women to gain for them
selves and their children more of what they need.

According to Muhimbura, (1990) rural development is an improvement of the whole way of

life in the rural areas in Uganda’s case are referred to as villages where by Mbarara
municipality in western Uganda is inclusive. The rural development programme gives credit
to the members of village organizations, mainly 90% women, for projects like poultry
farming, fisheries, irrigation, sericulture, rural enterprises projects, social forestry and
vegetable and maize cultivation. For this case therefore to bring about development in rural
areas women have to take part in such income generating projects like poultry keeping,
piggery, fish farming all which will sustain their families other than depending on their
husbands for everything.

While most government and donor agencies have made progress in reorganizing the
significant contribution of women to societies and the need to end discriminatory practices
against them, crucial macro-economic measures remain untouched by gendered policy
analysis, and women’s core agenda-such as poverty reduction and equality in human
development, decision making and entitlement-are not acknowledged in important policy
dialogues Johan, (1995). That the groups more likely to represent women’s interests, the
women’s non-governmental organizations are usually absent from important government
discussions.

However women have shown that they are not merely victims, that they can mobilize
themselves to defend their interests and those of their families. Yet it is clear that despite
women’s resourcefulness, the states’ failure to consider the effect of macro- structural
policies on women is a major impediment to changing gender relations (Heward, 1999).
 7

According to World Bank discussion papers, Africa Technical Department Series (1999),
with growing population pressure on land and fragmentation of holdings, few rural
households can subsist some form of off farm income. The smallholder sector through out
Sub–Saharan Africa (SSA) is characterized by the extent and diversity of non-farming
activities. Approximately one third of small holder family incomes are deprived from off
farm sources, with an additional ten percent coming from remittances. GOK (1988) Lower
income small holders are especially dependant on off-farm income for survival. However,
with domestic violence rampant in households one wonders whether it affects house holds or
not which will be established by this researcher.

In developing countries particularly women are cast as both bringers of change and guardians
of the old cultures. Traditionally and universally, women are seen as the main nurturers of
the young and from this role follow their natural participation with education. Also, from
Africa, chronic social and economic crises flare up, inevitably the first and most piteous
victims are women and children, western television screens are quick to show pictures of
helpless women pushed to ultimate deprivation and despair by a crisis, be it war or famine
which their country is powerless to alleviate coupled with domestic violence, whether it
affects house holds was established by this researcher.

2.4 Ways to avert domestic violence

Non Governmental Organizations have carried out a number of activities which have been
essential in the fight of women rights and these include sensitizing the society about women
rights caring out work shops and seminars caring out research on women related issues
promoting women participations in political and decision making and promoting women’s
self projects such that they do not depend so much on their men. (Uganda Human Rights
Commission Annual Report 200-2001)

The interviews with divorced women revealed a high degree of ignorance of legal and human
rights. Although the Non Governmental Organizations have done sensitization they benefit
the women in towns who have got access to workshops and seminars and yet the majority of
 8

women in the rural areas are left without any knowledge about their rights therefore there is
need for those women Non Governmental Organizations to go deep in the villages instead of
doing their advocacy work in only the towns, (Tumaini, 2002).

The affirmative action is an attempt by government to redress historical forms of

discrimination, the rational being to remedy past and present discrimination against women
and minorities. It’s an agent of equitable relations. Affirmative action has helped women to
climb to high ladders in the social, political and economic well being. When we speak about
obstacles to such meaningful on factors sometimes cultural sometimes material situated at the
community .Thus we might worry about how the rights and responsibilities of women limit
their contribution to deciding what to do, when, with what resources (UPD Net Annual
Workshop 2000)

We also have to note that even in politics women still do not understand their rights for
example in 1994 and 2001 presidential elections women Non Governmental Organizations
played a very big role in civic education during all the campaigns but still some women do
not know that they have a right to vote and also be voted . According to Aliu, (1997) despite
the fact that civic education was carried out by those Non Governmental Organizations they
do not reach the rural women who badly need the information about their rights. NGOs need
a lot of help if they are to carry out this work very well. The government needs to support
them so that they are able to reach the villages where most women do not understand their
rights. In the villages these women do not have access to newspapers, television to watch the
human rights programmes and yet also the Non Governmental Organizations lack the
transport, manpower to move to all places in the country but by large they have done their
level best (ibid)

Discrimination in girls access to education persists in many areas, owing to customary

attitudes , early marriages and pregnancies, poverty inadequate and gender biased teaching
and educational materials, sexual harassment and lack adequate and physically otherwise
accessible schooling facilities, (Mwanga, 2001).

However women Non Governmental Organizations have advocated for the education of the
girl child and large extent the girl child is benefiting although still there are some families
 9

who are still not willing to take the girl child to school .Despite the uplift of some women ,
the majority are still suffering and attaining education still remains a very big problem and
with the emergency of universal primary education , the girl child can only attain education
up to primary seven and anything beyond that is not responsible because the parents cannot
afford school fees for their children and yet women in Uganda constitute 51% of the
population. Literacy of women is an important key to improve health, nutrition and education
in the family and to empower women to participate indecision making in the society (Annual
Report 2002)

Human rights security is about ensuring equal access to education, social and employment
for everybody at all times and yet these are being denied to the women and instead they are
being exploited for example women are sexually harassed before they are given jobs and yet
this not good therefore women Non Governmental Organizations should come up with
solutions like strengthening women’s access to education and ensuring that they remain in
school till higher levels of education. Also placing more women in leadership role and
decision making positions relevant to the problems of women. In order to reverse the
situation (Uganda human rights commission annual report 2000-2001).

Also in the matters if sexual relationship and reproduction requires mutual respect consent
and shared responsibilities but instead we see women being victims of rape, sexual abuse,
sexual harassment or intimidation sexual slavery forced pregnancy, forced abortion and
forced prostitution, Mwanga (2001) Although the NGOs are advocating for rights of
women, due to the high poverty levels they cannot do much and this explains the increased
levels of such bad acts in our country Mwanga, (2001).

Women still wok in house holds fulfilling their duties in caring for the children, the sick and
elderly doing all the chores without receiving any payment and yet the men are just seated
and enjoying themselves . Women NGOS should do a lot of sensitization to both sexes so
that they are understand that there is equality in the households (Amnesty International
Report 2004)

Various human light organizations including those fighting for woman’s lights at national
and international Level. Most of these have been involved in research, ,information
 10

dissemination on the abuse of human rights and this has created awareness to some extent
about women’s rights; These include , international women communication center ( IWCC) ,
peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN) among others, Makenkamp (1998). However
most of these organizations are international and therefore their impact cannot be easily
felt in the country side due to limited personnel to extend such services to the local people.

The leading women’s NGOS like Action for Development (ACFODE,) Association of
women lawyers (FIDA), and the National Association of the women organizations of Uganda
(NAWOU) took every opportunity to act as facilitation in these activities by conducting
seminars and workshops for women’s local organizations and workshops and clubs around
the country. Many of the NGOs memoranda commended ACFODE, FIDA and NAWOU for
assistance these organizations provided. NGOs in Uganda have there fore played a
significant role in promoting awareness about women’s rights since the period of constitution
making in 1994, Matembe (2002).

To some extent however, the above women groups have diverted the attention to other things
rather than protecting and promoting women’s rights. Hence the promotion of women’s
rights has to a large extent remained a myth rather than a reality. A woman like Nakato
comes to the legal Aid clinic after getting to know that FIDA (U) can help her to protect and
enforce her rights and those of her children. The provision of legal aid services continues to
be the key program activity for FIDA (U) through the conflict and dispute management
department. Clients are assisted through counseling, mediation, arbitration and the legal
process in court through litigation where the need arises, the Uganda Association of women
Lawyers: (2003)

It is right to assert that not all the women can access this important help that FIDA (U) gives
for their clients in the area in which it operates. Despite the success the NGOs dealing with
women rights have scored, when people are called to attend meeting organized by these
NGOs men refuse their women to attend and if they attend, they are not able to talk to their
husbands about the topics they have discussed, therefore if you are to have meaningful,
development, then there is a need to educate both men and women about their rights and
duties. So that the women especially give up their inferiority e complex attitudes and come
up and participate in all the affairs of the country and have development.
 11

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
 12

This chapter gives the research design, sample selection, instruments used, methods of data
collection, data processing and analysis.

3.2 Research Design

The researcher used a descriptive research design, thereby using both quantitative and
qualitative data methods. The study used explanatory in nature in a bid to get detailed
information. This was meant to help the researcher to intensively study the problem under
investigation. Qualitative methods were used to analyze data obtained from questionnaires
however quantitative methods were used in order to analyse and present numeric data. This
was used because data collected can not be purely qualitative nor quantitative but both.

3.3 Sample Population

During the research, the basic unit of the study was both men and women in Kamukuzi
Division of Mbarara Municipality, in addition, the Community Development officer also
took part in this study.

3.4 Population and Sample Size

A representative sample was used to select a sample size, which consisted of 60 respondents.
The researcher used simple random sampling, this helped in establishing a sampling frame,
which was a list of every respondent, and then the researcher picked randomly until the
targeted sample size was obtained. The researcher also used purposive sampling where some
particular key information was solicited.
3.5 Sampling techniques
Random sampling will equally used. These included local leaders of the area of study.
The researcher also used stratified sampling method so as to categorise all activities of
respondents. Purposive sampling was used because the researcher needs to the study to be
inclusive.

A total of 60 respondents were used as a random sample to enlist the needed data from such
respondents.
 13

3.6 Research Instruments

Questionnaires: Questionnaires were distributed to the sampled groups of respondents and
community leaders. The researcher also used different types of questionnaires like open-
ended questions and self-administered questions. These had questions where one puts a gap
to allow the respondents to fill in the answers of their own opinions.

Interview Guide: The researcher also conducted face-to-face interviews with different
respondents. The interviews were used because a one to one approach helps to supplement
on observation and find extra information, which certainly supplements observation in order
to make purposive decisions. The method also gives a chance for probing especially when
the respondents have not understood the question.

3.7 Procedure
Before the task of data collection, the researcher was introduced to the respondents by the
Dean Faculty of Business and Development Studies of Bishop Stuart University through a
letter of introduction. The researcher had to explain the purpose of the study to all the
participants in order to establish and build confidence among them.

Thereafter, researcher will make visits to the selected divisions in the Municipality to
acquaint herself with the subjects and establish rapport there from. The researcher issued
questionnaires for filling, and collected them immediately upon completion. Besides,
interviews were arranged and held between the researcher and respective selected
respondents.

3.8 Data processing and Analysis

Data processing was done both manually and with the help of computer packages namely;
Microsoft Word and Excel. Data from questionnaires was edited so as to eliminate errors and
ensure consistency, uniformity, comprehensiveness and legibility of answers. Data was then
coded on sheets, analysed together with findings from interviews and tabulated both
manually and with the use of computer packages of Micro soft Word and Excel. Data
presentation and analysis involve the use of percentages, frequency tables and arithmetic
means
 14

CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Introduction
The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of domestic violence on house holds in
Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality. This chapter is presented in two sections of data
analysis. The first section explains the background of the respondents which included age,
sex, marital status, occupation, educational level. The second section presents analysis on the
effects of domestic violence on house holds in Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality.
 15

4.2 Demographic characteristics of the Respondents

The socio-economic characteristics that were considered in this study included sex, age,
marital status and area of residence of the respondents.
4.2.1 Sex Distribution of the Respondents
Table 1: A table showing sex distribution of respondents
Sex Frequency Percentage
Male 20 40
Female 30 60
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
From the table above, it shows that the number of respondents were unequal in number in
terms of sex that is 20(40%) males and 30(60%) females. The aim of considering this gender
implication was to make the study all inclusive.
4.2.2 Age Distribution of the Respondents
Table 2: A table showing age distribution of respondents
Age Frequency Percentage
20 – 30 10 20
31 – 40 28 56
41 – 50 10 20
50 and above 2 4
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
Majority of the respondents were in the age brackets of 31-40 representing (56%) while the
age bracket of 20-30 (20%) followed while the rest of the age groups were least represented
as presented in table one above. This in it self implies that women between the ages of 20-30
are already in marriage relations.

Those above 50 years age group was represented by only one respondent constituting (4%)
this shows how old in marriage relations.

4.2.3 Respondents Marital Status

Table 3: A table showing the marital status of the respondents
Marital status No of respondents Percentage
Married 31 62
Divorced 10 20
 16

Widowed 07 14
Single 02 04
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
The majority of the respondents, that is 31 (62%), were the married, divorced were 10 (20%),
and widows were 7 (14%) while 2(4%) were single. This trend of respondents could be
attributed to various forms of problems encountered in marriage life like rampant poverty,
children’s school fees. Even then single and divorced 12 (24%) were few who participated in
the study.

From the table above, it is clearly shown that the majority of the respondents 31 (62%) were
married. This is an implication that these are the right people who are in direct contact with
legal services as they needed more support in regard to their marital status. The study
therefore dealt with the right people who determine whether women rights are enjoyed,
protected or abused.

4.2.4 Level of education of respondents

Table 4: A table showing education level of respondents
Level of education Frequency Percentage
Primary 08 16
Secondary 23 46
Tertiary 19 38
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
As revealed from the table above, most respondents totaling to 19 (38%) were educated to
tertiary level. These had got more enlightened about issues concerning women’s rights
compared to the primary leavers though less exposed compared to those below secondary
education.
Up to 23 (46%) respondents were educated to secondary level. These needed more
sensitization about women’s rights given their average levels of education. The level of
training for such people determined their efficiency in explaining marriage related issues.
 17

Hence they had more added exposure in issues to do with women’s rights and challenges
involved compared to the less educated.

The least 8 (16%) respondents were educated up to primary level and hence had some
knowledge about domestic violence and the fight for women’s rights. These were less aware
of how best domestic violence can be controlled to benefit women their struggle for their
rights.
4.2.5 Occupation of the respondents

Table 5: A table showing occupation of the respondents

Occupation Frequency Percentage
Farmers 33 66
Self employed 12 24
Civil servants 5 10
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
The occupation of respondents comprised of the farmers, self employed engaged in business
and civil servants. According to the study findings, majority of the respondents totaling to 33
(66%) were farmers. They were found to do activities like goat rearing, cultivation of crops
like beans, maize, bananas, and cattle keeping among other agricultural activities. These are
characterized by limited incomes to invest in their activities and their production was based
on subsistence nature. Thus, they were depending on these farming activities for their
survival and income generation. They thus knew the extent to which domestic violence
affected women’s rights.

From the findings, it was learnt that 12 (24%) of the respondents were self employed
engaged mainly in the business sector. This gave them knowledge about women’s rights
being largely in a rural setting and mainly married.

The least 5 (10%) of the respondents were civil servants. These were involved in facilitating
government programmes such as gender equality in their different professions such as
teachers, health workers among others. Hence they could easily get exposed to knowledge
about domestic violence on participation in income generating activities.
 18

4.3 What are the major forms and nature of domestic violence existing in households in
Kamukuzi Division?
An attempt was made to identify whether there are cases of domestic violence in Kamukuzi
Division, Mbarara Municipality the following was arrived at;

Table 6: A table showing whether there are cases of domestic violence

Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 35 70
No 15 30
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.

Out of the total respondents interviewed the majority that is 35 (70%) mentioned that there
are cases of domestic violence where women’s rights have been abused. A minimal number
of 15(30%) the presence of domestic violence in Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality.
This shows that domestic violence is a big vice much against women’s rights.
The nature of domestic violence common in the sampled area was investigated into as
presented below;

Table 7: A table showing the nature of domestic violence in households

Nature of violence Frequency Percentage
Accused of raping partner 30 60
Physical abuse 10 20
Failure to provide for family 05 10
Abandoned children 05 10
Family dispute rape 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.

The table shows that 60% of the respondents suggested that marital rape was commonly used
as a form of domestic violence; the least used form was that of Abandoning children
represented by 10%. However, this trend of domestic violence could have been because all
the schools are day schools and pupils are day scholars they could have been exposed to even
more form at home.
 19

Like all other respondents in this study have shown teachers revealed that Failure to provide
for family is the most common form of domestic violence. This is the worst form of domestic
violence. Chasing from home by violent parents is yet another common form as well as
abandoning children and the entire family which all have disastrous effects.

In order to establish the causes of domestic violence in Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara

Municipality the following was arrived at;
Table 8: A table showing the causes of domestic violence
Cause Number of respondent Percent
Alcohol 30 60
Frustration at work 20 40
Women are violent 10 20
To show authority 30 60
Misunderstandings 15 30
By nature men are violent 10 20
Women ask a lot from women 35 70
Men may have no money 30 60
Source: Field notes, 2010.
Table shows that majority of the respondents said that alcohol is the major cause of violence,
they maintained that drunkard men are so intolerant, quarrel some and aggressive.

Up to 40% argued that men abuse their wives due to frustration at work worsened by the fact
that men want their wives to be submissive to them. In most cases they want to be treated
like children. Some women disagree with this submission being reinforced with men’s
violent nature.
 20

Another 30% and 20% of the respondents said that misunderstandings and men’s violent
nature of showing authority cause violence, men communicated by slapping, kicking even
when its not necessary some men enjoy beating their wives.

Turning to key informants the researcher interviewed, on the causes of domestic violence one
respondent , said that the major cause for domestic violence is that society itself approves
the fact that men can abuse their wives, said that in most cases neighbours just look on as a
man beats his wife to death. “Kasita no’Mukazi we muleke amweitiire’ ‘after all she is his
wife let him kill her if she wants’. One Musiime lamented in response to domestic violence.

It was revealed that that; Since men pay for their wives in form of bride price, society holds
that they can do what so ever they please with their wives including beating them in case
they annoy them since bride price cannot be re-embossed by the woman’s parents.

It was also showed that many of the cases received on domestic violence appear to be
accepted by society, a woman who brings the case will be the first to say she does not want
the husband to be imprisoned but she wants him to ‘reduce’ on the rate of abuse. This
implies that women also submit to the fact that their husbands can beat them as long as the
intensity is not too high.

One of the major cause of domestic violence put forward is the economic dependency
by women on their husbands thus heightens emotional violence against them as men take
advantage of their control and women’s lack of access to economic resources to inflict
emotional violence on them.
In an attempt to find out whether there is abuse of women rights, the following was
established.

4.5 What are the effects of domestic violence on households Kamukuzi Division?
In an attempt to find out whether women’s rights being violated and its effects in Kamukuzi
Division, Mbarara Municipality the following was revealed.
Table 9: A table showing whether respondents had ever heard of Women’s rights
Response Frequency Percentage
 21

Yes 35 70
No 15 30
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
Out of the total respondents interviewed the majority that is 70% mentioned that they have
ever had of women’s rights. A minimal number of 30% denied of ever hearing about
women’s rights.

Table 10: A table showing effects of domestic violence

Effect Frequency Percentage
Deaths 30 60
Diseases such as AIDS 10 20
Injuries e.g cuts, bruises 25 50
Abandoned children 05 10
Family dispute rape 50 100
Divorce and separation 30 60
Financial constraints 50 100
Loss of respect, self esteem and 40 80
disregard in society
School drop out 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
From the table above the majority of respondents cited physical consequences from
interviewed gave financial constraints, 50% centred that injuries and bruises result into actual
death of the victims. 60% gave the impact of domestic violence to be on education itself
which results into divorce and separation. No woman would stand on abusive man due to
fear of pain injuries and the victims choose to divorce their spouses which also affects
children.

Financial constraints on women was another effect given which indicate 100% the
respondents, maintained that after injuries and separations resulting from violence, women
have to spend on hospital care they find problems of supporting their families financially for
example paying school fees and feeding children, being a single parent is problematic so
women have to labour a lot to earn enough income all these will lead into failure to provide
for the children or will even lead into school drop out.
 22

Up to % 50% of the total number of respondents said that diseases spread as a result of many
sexual abuses such as forced sex (rape) this can be drawn from the case study of a man who
divorced his wife but continued to molest her, this could lead to disease spread, in case the
molester was infected.

Yet another 80% of the total number of respondents told the researcher that due to domestic
violence, the abused are affected psychologically, they in most cases are despised in society
and this causes them to feel small or loose their self esteem for example the researcher
discovered that many of the rape cases are not disclosed or reported to police because the
victims don’t want to be ashamed. Children will even lose interest to go to school as they are
traumatized and are shy.

It was further revealed that that sexual violence leads to the risk of exposure to sexually
transmitted diseases through refusal to presence safer sex methods physical violence
which takes a form of slapping, first hunting, kicking. With such diseases in the home not
only will the father or mother be affected but even children education is compromised.

In one case given a husband had a secrete affair with their house girl which ended up in the
man divorcing his wife for the house girl resulted into marital break down of the woman.
She had to be taken to a psychiatrist for treatment. It also gives a clear example of domestic
violence resulting into mental torture necessitating counseling after recovery.

Domestic violence breed more effects on the children’s education in that, women who cannot
afford to leave their children behind and decide to stay with an abusive husband always find
themselves living unhappy life for the longest part of their lives, they undergo pain, fears,
torture and misery in their marriages thus affects their socialization in society as well as their
productivity for example a woman who works in a market will not sell all her produce but
she will run home to take care of the children.

Several NGO’s partake in the fight for women rights in Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara
Municipality. It was established that different NGO’s in Uganda are trying to carry out a
 23

crusade against abuse of women’s’ rights such as like Foundation for AIDS Orphaned
Women (FAOC), UNICEF, Uganda women’s Rights network, Non-Government Network
(UCRNN), Hope after Rape, Compassion international, UWESO among others.
It was revealed that NGO’s particularly FIDA ha helped in women sensitization on their
rights which affects their empowerment. Women sensitization on their rights does largely
affect their empowerment and attainment of their rights.

The researcher found out that the majority of women who were interviewed reveled that
FIDA has helped women to be assertive, in an attempt to attain their rights. It was revealed
that the level of women involvement in using services of FIDA has enabled them to attain
higher levels of agitating for their right thereby stopping the abusers. It was revealed that
women are more involved in emancipation struggles when they ere educated and sensitized
about their role. This greatly leads to empowerment in the quest fort heir rights.

Out of the total respondents interviewed, the majority that is 50% mentioned lack of funds as
a major challenge, followed by lack of support for the projects they initiate at community
level that is 30% and lastly 20% mentioned the problem of overwhelming numbers which is
beyond their capacity.
Table 11: A table showing challenges faced in fighting domestic violence
Challenges Frequency Percentage
Lack of enough capital 5 50
Lack of support for the projects 3 30
Overwhelming numbers 2 20
Total 10 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
Table 12: A table showing whether women have lagged behind in all spheres of life as
compared to their counterpart men
Response Frequency Percentage
Strongly agree 24 48
Agree 15 30
Undecided 8 16
Strongly disagree 2 4
Disagree 1 2
Total 50 100
 24

From table 12 above, women have lagged behind in all spheres of life as compared to their
counterpart men as 24 (48%) strongly agreed. It was established that from 15 (30%) of the
respondents who agreed that that women have lagged behind in all spheres of life as
compared to their counterpart men. Another 8 (16%) were undecided, 2 (4%) strongly
disagreed while 1 (2%) disagreed that women have not lagged behind in all spheres of life as
compared to their counterpart men in Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality.

The study established factors that lead to women lagging behind in all spheres of life was and
the following was established; different problems ranging from social financial, economic are
faced.

The majority of respondents gave limited access to land ownership. This took 20 (40%) of
the respondents. Some people mentioned that due to lack of access to land women can not
exercise full control and ownership of what that produce or seemingly own. This is because
most women have remained less privileged because of their deprivation of land ownership.

Lack of finance also limited the success of women emancipation. They lack finance to buy
better essential commodities in the home thus women are looked at as dependants which
negated their status and rights.

The women’s’ status leaves a lot to be desired since factors like poverty, illiteracy, cultural
impediments, and limited access to finances still hinder women empowerment despite efforts
to agitate to women’ rights.
 25

4.5 What are the possible ways of minimizing domestic violence in Kamukuzi Division?
From the study findings, it was found out that there are efforts to address the challenges
faced. This was according to the respondents’ responses.
Table 13: A table showing measures devised to overcome domestic violence
Measures Frequency Percentage
Lobbying for more funds 20 40
Community sensitization 12 24
Building rapport with the people 6 12
Fundraising 5 10
Donations 4 08
Persistence and patience 3 6
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
Majority of the respondents revealed that there is still need for lobbying for more funds 20
(40%) to enhance sensitization on the dangers of domestic violence. Another 12(24%)
showed the need for community sensitization on the dangers of domestic violence.
Table 14: A table showing strategies put in place to sensitize people about women’s
rights
Strategies Frequency of responses Percentage responses
Workshops 16 32
Seminars 16 32
Provision of reading materials 8 18
Social development programs 10 20
Total 50 100
Source: Field notes, 2010.
From table 14 above, it was revealed that there is end for workshops to sensitize women
about their rights and equip them with skills to guard them joyously was revealed by
16(32%). Provision of reading materials was revealed as a means to help women to be
assertive 8(16%). Social development programs were also suggested as a way to help women
to overcome their problems in the quest for their rights 10(20%).

It was further revealed that in ensuring that rights of women are better, NGO’s have taken
initiatives to intervene through sensitization, lobbying, and dialogue. The Uganda of
Uganda has come up with measures such as implementing government activities of
uplifting the status of women and women and promoting respect for and observance of
human rights and the fundamental freedoms as enshrined the Ugandan constitution 1995.
 26

Efforts have been made to build a reputation of uncompromising commitment to provide

support women against domestic violence. Providing legal aid services to the rural poor
and vulnerable persons and communities, who in the majority of cases are women and
women as the case is in Kamukuzi Division; Mbarara Municipality in particular, remains a
big challenge.

CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction
 27

The purpose of the study is to assess the effects of domestic violence on house holds in
Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality, Mbarara district. This chapter discusses the
findings basing on the objectives of this study and gives conclusions and recommendations.
Data collected for the study was presented and analyzed in chapter four in form of
descriptive statistics and tables. Results obtained are discussed in this chapter. Conclusions
are drawn up from the findings of the study and recommendations made.

5.2 Forms of domestic violence existing in homes

Research into this area of domestic violence in Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality,
revealed that the problem is of critical concern. The law relating to domestic violence leaves
much to be desired. Domestic violence is taken to be a domestic affair which remains in the
family so very few cases of domestic violence make it to the courts of law.

The study revealed that Alcohol is a leading cause of domestic violence. This revelation was
confirmed by NAWJ-Ug, (2006). Behaviors like alcohol consumption some times result into
physical violence against female partners. Most men being physically stronger than women
use this might to batter their wives. The other cause according to NAWJ-Ug is economic
dependence of women on men which heightens emotional violence against them. In this area
of Kamukuzi Division the researcher agrees that there is rampant alcohol drinking and this
has accelerated domestic violence.

Men take advantage of their control and women’s lack of resources to inflict emotional
violence on them. This is mainly due to frustration at work or even men sometimes wan to
show their authority to women. In the view the researcher there are many cases where men
think and take themselves to be kings in their households and whoever is under their
authority is definitely subordinate and this is worse with women, this increases cases of
domestic violence in households.

The study established that misunderstandings in the home are yet another cause of domestic
violence leaves to be desired. This is in agreement with Kummel, (2000) who showed that
men use violence against their wives although he does not relate it to why women may use
violence against their husbands, there is also need to show of men and women who abuse the
 28

other most and why. The research carried out by Kummel however, poses a good guide for
the researcher to investigate the ways in which men abuse their wives in the area of study
mainly a result of misunderstandings.

The study revealed that whereas there are efforts to fight for rights of women, violation of
such rights such as domestic violence against women, including rape, remained common still
remains prevalent to some high degree. This agrees with Amnesty International Report
(2004:87) that one in three women living in rural areas in Uganda experienced verbal or
physical threats from their partners, and 55 percent received physical injury as a result of
domestic abuse. The law prohibits general assault; however, there were no laws that
specifically protect women from battery or spousal rape. Law enforcement officials,
reflecting general public opinion, continued to view wife beating as a husband's prerogative
and rarely intervened in cases of domestic violence. Women remained more likely to sue for
divorce than to file assault charges against their husbands, this is true as the study
investigated.

The study revealed that whereas there are efforts to fight for rights of women, violation of
such rights such as domestic violence against women, including rape, remained common still
remains prevalent to some high degree. Accused of raping partner, physical abuse, failure to
provide for family, abandoned children, family dispute rape or marital rape. These findings
concur with Lesley, (1995) who argued that rape is as a result of power and control of
women by men but the researcher sees need to find out more whether men really rape women
just because they have power and control or because they are just naturally greedy or they are
simply attracted by the women themselves in away of their behaviours, dressing, for example
the provocative way in which women dress in the modern times with very short skirts and
tight dresses some of which are transparent or even leave the under wear far much out side,
such dressing may entice men to rape them hence domestic violence.

Whereas it is evident that mentioned that efforts are on the ground to avert abuse of
women’s’ rights, majority of the respondents there is some abuse of women’s’ rights this
agrees with Human Rights Watch (HRW) of August, (2007) that investigated the) issued a
report investigating the correlation between domestic violence by battering and women's
 29

vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection in the country. The report concluded that correlation
between married women vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection and found it positive that as a
result of forced sex as violation of women’s rights in marriage by husbands with multiple
partners or wives they are prone to HIV/AIDS infection and transmission.

5.3 Effects of domestic violence on households

The study had an objective of finding out the socio-economic effects of domestic violence
on women, their children and society as well. It leads to serious injury and even death of the
victims. Physical injuries restrict employment potential. Domestic violence affects mother’s
ability to look after her children and causes sexual withdrawal. The study also revealed that
oppressed people cannot contribute to development of their community due to constant fear
and continued abuse by their partners.

We also have to note that even in politics women still do not understand their rights for
example in 1994 and 2001 presidential elections women NGOs played a very big role in
civic education during all the campaigns but still some women do not know that they have
a right to vote and also be voted . According to Aliu, (1997) despite the fact that civic
education was carried out by those NGOs they do not reach the rural women who badly need
the information about their rights. NGOs need a lot of help if they are to carry out this work
very well. The government needs to support them so that they are able to reach the villages
where most women do not understand their rights. In the villages these women do not have
access to newspapers, television to watch the human rights programmes and yet also the
NGOs lack the transport, manpower to move to all places in the country but by large they
have done their level best Aliu (1997).

It was revealed further that there has been resultant deaths, diseases such as AIDS, injuries
e.g bruises, abandoned children, family dispute rape, divorce and separation, financial
constraints, loss of respect, self esteem and disregard in society, school drop out all these
have combined to keep women in the fix as domestic still reigns

5.4 Possible ways of minimizing domestic violence in households

 30

During the study, it was revealed that other than FIDA running a legal clinic mainly to
arbitrate and dispense justice related to marital issues, it there are efforts to engage in projects
like provision of goats, pigs and financial support to the needy women. This pivotal role is in
support of human Rights Commission Annual Report 200-200, that the fight for women
rights is on and it includes sensitizing the society about women rights caring out work shops
and seminars caring out research on women related issues promoting women participations in
political and decision making and promoting women’s self projects such that they do not
depend so much on their men.

Emphasis has been put on promoting the rights of women has been facilitated by the
activities it involves in, which as per the study included enhancing the capacity of
communities to understand the nature of HIV/AIDS epidemic and its consequences to
orphans and care givers, ensuring that women are observed and respected, empowering
women with life skills and also empowering the widows or orphans and women headed
families, support the disadvantaged women in education and carrier guidance, develop the
spiritual welfare of women and promote psychological support to orphans and needy women.
In an attempt to establish the extent to which there are policies in place to check the practice
of domestic valence in fighting for women’ rights. It was revealed that it is through
government and non governmental emphasis to promote the women’s rights that has
facilitated the activities it involves in making women right well known which as per the
study included enhancing the capacity of communities to understand the nature of HIV/AIDS
epidemic and its consequences to orphans and care givers, ensuring that women are observed
and respected, empowering women with life skills and also empowering the widows or
orphans and women headed families, support the disadvantaged women in education and
carrier guidance, develop the spiritual welfare of women and promote psychological support
to orphans and needy women.

Women NGOs have done a lot of work and good results are now being realized for example
as the case is with Action for development (ACFODE) Uganda Human Rights commission
(UHRC) and Uganda Association of women lawyers (FIDA) have done a remarkable job in
empowering women and especially the issue of rights. Women themselves need to be
assertive in the quest for their fundamental rights.
 31

Women need to wholesomely involved in a lot of activities like sensitizing the society
carrying out research on women’s rights promoting women’s participation in decision
making, upholding and strengthening human rights and as torch bearers of the freedom
movement.

There is need for government to strengthen its advocacy in favour of women in particular
government needs to be supportive of women programmes at all levels of governance.
There is need to undertake serious concern in the areas of justice & access to land which
have for long hindered women empowerment and rights.

To identify whether there are some strategies put in place to sensitize people about women’s
rights the staff were asked to mention them.

According to the study it was found out that the challenge was lack of adequate funds to
foster all their activities as they would have wished. This was the main reason they gave to be
responsible for the gaps that are existing in the area of women rights.

They also showed concern that the projects which they initiate at community level are always
not taken seriously and their sustainability is always compromised due to lack of
cooperation from people in those particular communities and this hampers their service
delivery.

More to that, it was also found out that NGO’s like FIDA are overwhelmed by the big
numbers of the needy women who are beyond their capacity, but however they confessed
that they are doing all that is possible to meet the needs of these numbers. In some cases
people or their targeted groups have negative attitudes towards them for example they argue
that they just want to use them for their personal gains.

Efforts have been made despite challenges that still hinder women emancipation, government
and NGO’s have endeavoured to redress historical forms of discrimination, the rational being
to remedy past and present discrimination against women and minorities. It’s an agent of
 32

equitable relations. Affirmative action has helped women to climb to high ladders in the
social, political and economic well being. When we speak about obstacles to such
meaningful on factors sometimes cultural sometimes material situated at the community.

The Government's human rights record remained poor; although there were some
improvements in a few areas, serious problems remained. Domination by the Movement of
the political process limited the right of citizens to change their government. Security forces
committed unlawful killings. Security forces were responsible for short-term disappearances.

Despite efforts to address human right and empower women by agencies like FIDA and other
sister agencies it was established in this study, there are still enormous challenges such as
torture by security forces and beating of suspects to force confessions were serious problems.
Poor judicial administration, lack of resources, a large case backlog, and lengthy trial delays
limited due process rights, including the right to a fair trial. Security forces at times infringed
on citizens' privacy rights as (Annul Report, FIDA, 2003) revealed in agreement with the
findings of this study.

5.5 Conclusions
In relation to the objectives of this study, the researcher concluded that on top of the causes
cited by respondents as given in the findings, misunderstandings between partners about
matters regarding sex possess a major cause of domestic violence against women. When the
wife and husband disagree on when to have sex this result into a fight as one partner suspects
the other of having sexual partner violence erupts. Other causes of domestic violence
frustration at work, women are violent, men want to show authority, misunderstandings, by
nature men are violent, and women ask a lot from Men. In relation to nature of violence, it
can be concluded that although women also commit violence against men, their male partners
are the main victim’s of domestic violence.

Domestic violence has the following effects deaths, diseases such as AIDS, Injuries e.g
bruises, abandoned children, family dispute rape, divorce and separation, financial
constraints, loss of respect, self esteem and disregard in society and school drop out.
 33

It was revealed that lack of enough capital, lack of support for the projects and overwhelming
numbers of clients or people in need of legal support in relation to fighting domestic
violence.

Whereas violation of women’s rights is not historical phenomenon but an ongoing one, the
ongoing sensitization about the rights of women and the overall field of women emancipation
affairs according to the study carried out has been found to be relative in Kamukuzi Division,
Mbarara Municipality. It has been observed that people are confessing that the field of
women affairs has improved but they are not attributing much to the side of government and
other NGO’s like FIDA, UWESO, though they do not deny that it has at least helped in same
field.

It was also observed that most of the respondents were arguing that in some cases, they tend
to help those who are sometimes better off and leave out those who are badly in need of their
legal help, they attributed this to corruption.

The field of women rights affairs should be put at the fore front because women are the
mothers of any given society. Agencies fighting for women rights be given enough financial
assistance both from the government and other donor agencies and should put in more effort
to reach on the ground and held women who are badly in need of their legal help and not on
technical know how basis.

The vital role played by NGO’S and the fight for women’s rights in Kamukuzi Division is
quite immense. NGO’s particular have tried to fight for women’s rights in Mbarara
Municipality as the main agenda. Thus, there is a relationship between NGO and the fight for
women’s rights, the more NGO come up to equip and help women to be assertive the more
the emancipation and the reverse is true.

With regards to the efforts to combat domestic violence it can be concluded that local council
courts block the way of cases of domestic violence from reaching the courts of law and
handle cases beyond their powers as well as siding with culprits against the victims this
 34

weakens all efforts to combat domestic violence against women combined with the fact that
cases of domestic violence are under reported.

It was established that there is need for lobbying for more funds to facilitate programmes
fighting domestic violence, the need for community sensitization, building rapport with the
people, fundraising to get more funding, donations, persistence and patience as a problem of
this nature may not be solved instantly.

5.6 Recommendations
The following recommendations were made to assist the promotion of the field of
women rights.

The law enforcement agencies should be sensitized to be responsive and to avoid practices
of discouraging victims on grounds that the matter is domestic. As there is nothing domestic
about domestic violence, for example physical assault is a crime before the law and of public
concern not merely domestic.

Local councils should refrain from siding with men against female victims and taking of
bribes, police should also become rather sensitive to the feelings of the victims as well as
finding affair way of dealing with the victims.

The judiciary ought to be sensitized on their role to provide fair hearing and judgement to all
citizens and cases including women and cases of domestic violence thus the way courts of
law threat cases of domestic violence will also determine the seriousness in society.

Society should be educated and sensitized with a shared responsibility to bring down abusers
and responding to victims of domestic violence, the attitude of non interference should
change. For instance society should not treat a man beating wife as a domestic affair but one
that concern the whole society.

People should show support to the victims of domestic violence, come to their aid and treat
them with sympathy and concern other than shunning them and gossiping about it thus
 35

society should treat such cases with utmost regard other than just dismissing them as
domestic.

The victims should be sensitized to always not shy away but seek remedy from all available
sources more so from the law.

The government of Uganda with the help ministry of gender labour and social development
should strengthen its efforts to deal with the problem of domestic violence. Victims of
domestic violence need refuge since in most cases they have to run away from their abusers.
It’s therefore necessary for the government to provide shelter for the battered women.

There should be mass sensitization about the rights of women to the general public and
specifically parents taught about proper women handling and even teachers in schools
because they deal with women.

Strict laws should be put in place against those who abuse the rights of women and should be
punished such that they can work as examples to others who would want to do the same.

Also the government should establish courses to enable various people acquire skills of
handling women affairs that is juvenile justice studies should be incorporated in the
institutions of learning.

5.7 Areas for further research

• The effect of levels of education domestic violence.
• The role of Government and NGOs in the fight against domestic violence
• Effect of domestic violence on children’ education.

REFERENCES
Adkison, K. (1989). Children and Women in Africa. A situation analysis UNICEF, Kampala
Uganda.
 36

Albert, K. and R. Roberts: (2002). Hand book of Domestic Violence Intervention.

Durojaiye, M. (1988). A New Introduction of Developmental Psychology. Evans brothers limited,
Nairobi Kenya.

Ellyn, K. (2001). Intimate Betrayal, Volume 23 No. 3.

Gil, D. (1997). Violence against children, Physical child abuse in the United States Harvard
University press, Massachusetts USA.
Heather, S and John Braith, W. (2002). Restorative Justice and Family violence.
Human Rights Watch/Africa (1995), Violence against women in South Africa, state response to
domestic violence and rape.
Kimmel, M. (2000). The gendered society oxfords University press, MC. New York.
Miranda D. (1994). Women and violence realities and responses would wide, Zed books, London.
National Association of women judges NAWJ Uganda (1996), Domestic Violence in Uganda,
Kampala, NAWJ Publications.
Nsubuga, J. (1998). The Current Phenomenon of Child Abuse andiIts Ethical Implications, Makerere
University, Kampala.
Norman, et al (1970). Child custody, some practical techniques for the teacher, Oxford University
press.
Sampselle, T. Carolyn, N. (1992), Violence against Women Hemisphere, Publishing, New York.
Ross Eshleman (1991). The family, Six Edition USA.

Scanzoni, J. (1970). Opportunity and the family, USA.

Sharon. M. Hinter (1997). Police response to crimes of sexual assault, Second Edition.
The children statute (1996). Rights of children part I, Kampala Uganda.

APPENDIX 1
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR RESPONDENTS
Dear Respondents, the purpose of this research is to gather information concerning the effects of
domestic violence in households so as to find away to reduce its occurrence.
Section A: BACKGROUND OF THE RESPONDENT
 37

Tick the most applicable answer

1 (a) Name ………………………………………………………(Optional )
(b). Sex: Male Female
3. Age
01 – 19
20 – 30
31 – 29
40 – 49
50 – 59
60 and above
(c) Marital status
(a) Married
(b) Single
(c) Widow
(d) Level of education
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
None
(e) Occupation
(a) Unemployed
(b) Civil servant
(c) Self employed
Section B: Human Rights
1. What rights should/do women have in households?
(Tick as many as possible).
(a) A right to own property
(b) A right to own income/employed
(c ) A right to own children
(d) A right to socialize
(e) A right to express themselves
(f) A right to life
 38

(g) Any other specify

Section C: Forms of Domestic Violence
2. Are there cases domestic violence in the area?
(a) Yes (b) No
3. Identify the forms of domestic violence in households
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….

Section D: Effect f Domestic violence on households

4. Have you ever heard of Women’s rights?

(a) Yes (b) No
5. If yes, what do you understand by the term women rights?
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….
6. Mention some of the women rights………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………
7. Who usually abuses the rights of women
(a) The men (b) The fellow women (c) Mothers
8. Do you agree that there is some cases of domestic violence that manifest themselves in abuse
of womens’ rights?
(a) Yes (b)No If so by who?
9 Does poverty cause abuse of women’s’ rights and domestic violence?
Yes (b)No If so by who?

10. What are the effects of domestic violence on households?

………………………………………………………………………………………
11. Which NGO’s participate in the fight for the women’s rights in Kamukuzi Division?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. What contributions have these NGOs made in the fight for the women’s Rights and curbing
domestic violence?........................................................................................................
13. Apart from the above mentioned NGO’s which other institutions help in the fight for
women’s rights and stopping domestic violence?
 39

………………………………………………………………………………………....………

14. How have the women benefited from the policy of affirmative action.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..……
15. What challenges are faced in the implementation of the above policy?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
16. What mechanisms are in place to address the issue of domestic violence?
(a) At family level
(b) Community level
(c ) Government level
17 Do you agree that women have lagged behind in all spheres of life as compared to their
counterpart men?
18. If yes, what are the factors that lead for women’s lagging behind in all spheres of life
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Section E: Solutions to Domestic Violence
19. There is need for women sensitization on their rights
(a) Agree (b) Disagree
(c) Strongly agree (d) Strongly disagree
20. Poverty reduction can reduce domestic violence in households
(a) Agree (b) Disagree
(c) Strongly agree (d) Strongly disagree
21. Education for the girl child can help address domestic violence
(a) Agree (b) Disagree
(c) Strongly agree (d) Strongly disagree
22. Women need to be assertive of their rights to contain domestic violence in households
(a) Agree (b) Disagree
(c) Strongly agree (d) Strongly disagree
23 According to you, what do you think are the possible solutions to domestic violence?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
24 What should be the role of NGOs and the government in helping women to easily access
their rights on a personal level so as to avert domestic violence?
……………………………………………………………………………………………....…
 40

………………………………………………………………………………………..…………
End.

APPENDIX 11
INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR LEADERS
Dear Respondents, the purpose of this research is to gather information concerning the
effects of domestic violence in households so as to find away to reduce its occurrence.
1. What are the major forms of domestic violence existing in households in Kamukuzi
Division, Mbarara Municipality.
 41

2. What are the effects of domestic violence on households?

3. What mechanisms can be put in place to address the question of domestic violence?
4. Are there existing policies in place to check the practice of domestic violence?
5. What possible remedies can be applied to address the question of domestic violence?

End.