Blogs
Domestic violence is not a private family matter
Mafabi says domestic violence thrives in silence. By recognising it as a public concern and responding collectively, society can protect vulnerable individuals, strengthen families, and promote safer and more resilient communities.
Dan Mafabi
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
By Dan Mafabi
For generations, domestic violence has been regarded as a private family matter, something to be handled behind closed doors and away from public scrutiny.
This culture of silence, however, must come to an end. Domestic violence is not merely a household issue; it is a serious social challenge that affects individuals, families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
The rising number of reported cases across Uganda highlights the urgency of the problem.
In February 2026, New Vision reported that officials in Luuka District had raised concerns over increasing incidents of domestic violence.
According to the report, many victims continue to suffer in silence, while some cases have resulted in suicide, family breakdown, and protracted property disputes.
Similarly, in May 2026, Daily Monitor reported a tragic incident in Mayuge District in which a domestic dispute culminated in a man attacking his wife with a machete before taking his own life. Such incidents are a stark reminder that domestic violence can have devastating and irreversible consequences.
The impact of domestic violence extends far beyond the walls of individual homes.
It undermines economic productivity when victims are unable to work effectively, strains public health systems through the treatment of physical and psychological trauma, and weakens community cohesion by perpetuating fear, instability, and insecurity.
Moreover, domestic violence threatens national development by eroding the social and human capital needed for sustainable progress.
For these reasons, domestic violence should be addressed as a strategic societal challenge rather than a private family concern. Effective action requires the collective efforts of policymakers, local governments, civil society organizations, religious institutions, cultural leaders, and community members.
Similarly, in May 2026, Daily Monitor reported a tragic incident in Mayuge District in which a domestic dispute culminated in a man attacking his wife with a machete before taking his own life. Such incidents are a stark reminder that domestic violence can have devastating and irreversible consequences.
The impact of domestic violence extends far beyond the walls of individual homes.
It undermines economic productivity when victims are unable to work effectively, strains public health systems through the treatment of physical and psychological trauma, and weakens community cohesion by perpetuating fear, instability, and insecurity.
Moreover, domestic violence threatens national development by eroding the social and human capital needed for sustainable progress.
For these reasons, domestic violence should be addressed as a strategic societal challenge rather than a private family concern. Effective action requires the collective efforts of policymakers, local governments, civil society organizations, religious institutions, cultural leaders, and community members.
A coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach is essential to prevent violence, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.
This can be achieved through sustained public awareness campaigns that challenge harmful social norms, expanded access to community-based counselling and support services, and the establishment of safe and accessible reporting mechanisms.
Victims must be empowered to seek help without fear of stigma, retaliation, or further victimisation. At the same time, communities must be encouraged to speak out against abuse rather than treating it as a family secret.
Domestic violence thrives in silence. By recognizing it as a public concern and responding collectively, society can protect vulnerable individuals, strengthen families, and promote safer and more resilient communities.
The time to act is now.
The writer is an MBA student at MUBS
This can be achieved through sustained public awareness campaigns that challenge harmful social norms, expanded access to community-based counselling and support services, and the establishment of safe and accessible reporting mechanisms.
Victims must be empowered to seek help without fear of stigma, retaliation, or further victimisation. At the same time, communities must be encouraged to speak out against abuse rather than treating it as a family secret.
Domestic violence thrives in silence. By recognizing it as a public concern and responding collectively, society can protect vulnerable individuals, strengthen families, and promote safer and more resilient communities.
The time to act is now.
The writer is an MBA student at MUBS