Domestic violence ruining families - Arch. Lwanga

By Moses Walubiri

HOMES have turned into a theater of violence and terror instead of peace and love, Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has said in his Easter message, imploring Christians to fight the vice he contends is the curse of many families in Uganda.

Under the theme: "Building strong families as we resurrects with Christ," Lwanga reeled off a litany of evils bedeviling Uganda ranging from murders, human trafficking, child neglect and sacrifice and "the cancer of corruption."

"Families have become places of fear and oppression and not love and peace. Domestic violence not only shatters homes but also the church and society as a whole. It's in families that people learn to love and relate," Lwanga told journalists at Rubaga Cathedral earlier today.

Last year between January and April, police reported that 72 people died as a result of domestic violence and 2,461 victims of domestic violence were registered from 1,339 reported cases in the same period.

Despite parliament enacting a law meant to curb domestic violence – Domestic Violence Act, 2010 – incidents of domestic violence have tended to soar with each passing year, majority of victims being women and children.

The prelate used his message to decry the soaring levels of violence, terrorism and murders, citing the recent murder of the acting Director of Public Prosecution, Joan Kagezi and the massacre at Garrisa College in Kenya of 147 students by Al-Shabab militants.

Lwanga prayed for Kagezi's young family, imploring God to grant the fallen prosecutor's young family the fortitude to bear their loss.

He called upon government to conduct an audit of fire arms in the hands of private individuals in order to forestall the specter of arms getting into the hands of rogue elements.

On the issue of the mooted papal visit, Lwanga did not confirm the Holy Sea's visit to Uganda as reported last year.

"He promised to come. When? We don't know. We are still waiting for confirmation from Vatican. We shall let you know when we get this information," Lwanga said.