Acholi women demand land ownership rights
Acholi women have called for land ownership by fellow women as opposed to the traditional cultural practice. Acholi culture does not recognise land ownership by women.
BY FRANCIS EMORUT
Acholi women have called for land ownership by fellow women as opposed to the traditional cultural practice. Acholi culture does not recognise land ownership by women.
“We should also be allowed to own land and other property to enable us take care of our children when our husbands die and to play a role in economic development,†Margaret Auma Otim, a resident, said.
Florence Akulu pointed out that women in Acholi are not allowed to own land in case of divorce. “Men fear that the woman may marry other men while living on the land,†Akulu said.
She argued that during this era of women’s empowerment, Acholi women cannot afford to be left behind. The Marriage and Divorce Bill that was shelved by the eighth Parliament proposed equal share of property by the two spouses when marriage fails.
The women made the remarks during a meeting with Acholi traditional leaders and officials from the Uganda Land Alliance at Kilak sub-county in Pader district on Sunday.
The women’s desire for land rights ownership was, however, opposed by the Acholi traditional elders, who said a man was the head of the home and a woman is supposed to be submissive.
“Acholi cultural practices and norms are good. A woman is supposed to accord a man respect, just like a leader is appointed, and the community respects him,†Acholi traditional elder Yoboan Okello said.
He explained that the fight for women’s land ownership rights would breed confusion in families.
“Women are running away from their marital homes claiming their rights have been violated,†Okello said. He said the Acholi cultural practices on land should not be compromised with women empowerment.
Acholi women have called for land ownership by fellow women as opposed to the traditional cultural practice. Acholi culture does not recognise land ownership by women.
“We should also be allowed to own land and other property to enable us take care of our children when our husbands die and to play a role in economic development,†Margaret Auma Otim, a resident, said.
Florence Akulu pointed out that women in Acholi are not allowed to own land in case of divorce. “Men fear that the woman may marry other men while living on the land,†Akulu said.
She argued that during this era of women’s empowerment, Acholi women cannot afford to be left behind. The Marriage and Divorce Bill that was shelved by the eighth Parliament proposed equal share of property by the two spouses when marriage fails.
The women made the remarks during a meeting with Acholi traditional leaders and officials from the Uganda Land Alliance at Kilak sub-county in Pader district on Sunday.
The women’s desire for land rights ownership was, however, opposed by the Acholi traditional elders, who said a man was the head of the home and a woman is supposed to be submissive.
“Acholi cultural practices and norms are good. A woman is supposed to accord a man respect, just like a leader is appointed, and the community respects him,†Acholi traditional elder Yoboan Okello said.
He explained that the fight for women’s land ownership rights would breed confusion in families.
“Women are running away from their marital homes claiming their rights have been violated,†Okello said. He said the Acholi cultural practices on land should not be compromised with women empowerment.