Dowry linked to high HIV rates
Sep 25, 2011
PAYMENT of dowry has been linked to the increase in HIV infections among married couples.
By AGNES NANTAMBI
PAYMENT of dowry has been linked to the increase in HIV infections among married couples.
This was contained in a research carried out in Butambala, Singo, Kooki, Kyadondo and Kyaggwe counties by Buganda kingdom.
The survey also covered Bulemeezi, Mawokota, Buddu, Busiro, Busujju, Bugerere and Buluuri counties.
Speaking at a dissemination workshop at Pope Paul Memorial Centre in Kampala, on Wednesday Deogratius Kiggundu, the buganda kingdom HIV/AIDS coordinator, observed that men mistreat and infect their wives with HIV because they paid dowry.
“Men marry more than one wife knowing that the first one was bought and cannot go back to her parents,†Kiggundu said.
He said the manner in which dowry is demanded and paid today accelerates the rate of HIV infection among couples.
“In some cultures, once dowry is paid, a partner can not ask for divorce even when the man misbehaves,†he added.
He called for a review of some cultural practices and asked couples to be faithful to each other as a measure in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
PAYMENT of dowry has been linked to the increase in HIV infections among married couples.
This was contained in a research carried out in Butambala, Singo, Kooki, Kyadondo and Kyaggwe counties by Buganda kingdom.
The survey also covered Bulemeezi, Mawokota, Buddu, Busiro, Busujju, Bugerere and Buluuri counties.
Speaking at a dissemination workshop at Pope Paul Memorial Centre in Kampala, on Wednesday Deogratius Kiggundu, the buganda kingdom HIV/AIDS coordinator, observed that men mistreat and infect their wives with HIV because they paid dowry.
“Men marry more than one wife knowing that the first one was bought and cannot go back to her parents,†Kiggundu said.
He said the manner in which dowry is demanded and paid today accelerates the rate of HIV infection among couples.
“In some cultures, once dowry is paid, a partner can not ask for divorce even when the man misbehaves,†he added.
He called for a review of some cultural practices and asked couples to be faithful to each other as a measure in the fight against HIV/AIDS.