The Executive Secretary at the Uganda Episcopal Conference Social Communications Department, Rev. Fr Philip Odii has called on the Church leaders and Catholic Communicators in Uganda to intensify their fight against domestic violence; the vice which, according to him, is tearing the family apart.
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| Participants to the workshop |
Fr Odii highlighted this during an evaluation workshop of the domestic violence prevention programme held: for the Priests, on July 10 in Gulu District and for the Diocesan Communication coordinators and Radio presenters, on July 13 in Kampala
He said that, domestic violence has far reaching negative multiplier effect, which not only ends with the victim, but also extend to those in their comfort zones. “How will you feel as a priest, to bury one of your Christian, niece or nephew killed as result of domestic brawl? These things affect us directly or indirectly, “he said.
According to Fr Odii, with or without the resources, church leaders need to spearhead the fight against the vice, which he said is tearing the family apart.
“To succeed on certain issue, you must be convinced about it. This conviction will lead to commitment. So it’s my humble request that with or without money let’s take the lead and end violence, I want to hear you speak about it he,” he added.
He however, acknowledged that some efforts have been made by the church to eliminate the vice. “I am happy that you (priests) are doing something, but we need to double our efforts,” he said.
Mrs Florence Kwesigabo, the National Programme Officer for the Domestic Violence Prevention Desk of UEC, backed up Fr. Odii’s observation adding that priests are also likely to suffer from the effect of the violence. “A child brought up in a violent environment may also hurt you personally and the Church, that is why we say that the religious leaders have also a great role to play,” she said.
During the review participants, said the campaign is yielding fruits, with a number of family coming up to confess that it has united them.
“This campaign is working miracles, a number of women have approached me that they are now at piece with their husband because of the message they have been getting over the radio,” a participant at the workshop stated.
Domestic violence has negative impact on production and prosperity, fuels the HIV Epidemic according to National HIV/AIDs strategic plan 2008/2012. It reduces the economic development of a nation as reported in the UN secretary General report on Violence against women in 2007.
The review is part of the wider efforts by the Catholic Church through the Uganda Episcopal Conference to prevent domestic violence in families. The campaign funded by TROCAIRE and Irish Aid has been running for the past five years. It’s implemented through the Domestic Violence Prevention Desk of UEC and Social Communications department.
By Jacinta W. Odongo and Benedict Okethwengu, UEC Communication Office