There is anger in Uganda after a Member of Parliament in that country told men to “beat” their wives.
Onesimus Twinamasiko is reported by Ugandan television channel NTV to have said that “as a man, you need to discipline your wife.
“You need to touch her a bit, you tackle her, beat her somehow to really streamline her.”
The MP is now facing a lot of backlash over his comments as rights activists call on him to apologise to victims of domestic violence.
A leading women’s rights activist, Diana Kagere of the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) told the BBC that “Mr Twinamasiko should make a public apology to all women who have experienced violence,”
“He should do the honourable thing and withdraw that statement. It’s really a shock that a member of parliament would justify violence in any way. This is about crime,” she added.
The MP’s statement was not taken out of context! Full unedited byte (Luganda & English) of Onesmus Twinamasiko, MP Bugangaizi East championing husbands to beat their wives following Museveni’s statement that men who beat women should face the full wrath of the law pic.twitter.com/P50Jn4enur
— Patu™ (@AyamPatra) March 12, 2018
More than one in five women aged 15-49 have experienced domestic or sexual violence in Uganda, according to a government report published last year. Ugandans on Social media are angry and demanding action against the MP.
@MiriaDr @asiimwe4justice pls get signatures to get this caveman MP out of parliament. #No2GBV #RecallTwinamatsiko
— Eva Tusiime (@kailo_baby) March 12, 2018
I can’t believe this dude is an MP.
— #NoblePrince Joyeux (@JoeMugisho1) March 12, 2018
This man’s wife needs a medal for #Uganda‘sBravestWoman
Who got him to parliament? Are his constituency members and family safe?Are there any consiquences from the disciplinary committee of parliament for such disrespectful remarks against women?— Ruth Nagudi (@RuthNagudi) March 12, 2018
…& to think that tax payers money also covers this ones’ salary, car allowance, etc is disturbing at best! Bugangaizi deserves better!
— Caro Line (@PopsShuz) March 12, 2018
The MP, Twinamasiko has however told the BBC in an interview that “I don’t mean beatings which cause injuries or death – but a slap – I would feel fine! Because it’s calling me to order. We would sit down and sort it out.
“I was slapped once by my wife and it was OK with me, because we sorted out our differences. I also slapped her once. She had wronged me,” he said talking about his own marriage.
Domestic violence is a major issue in Africa with women subjected to physical abuse daily by their male partners.
Source: Africafeeds.com
