Adherence to Culture and Gender Based Violence in Luuka District, Busoga Sub Region Uganda

Abstract

The study established the effect of adherence to culture on gender-based violence in Luuka District, Busoga sub region, Uganda. The study was guided by objectives which included; assessing adherence to culture in Luuka District using bride price practices, property inheritance practices, and forced/ early marriages, determining the effect of adherence to culture on Gender-based Violence in Luuka District using bride price practices, property inheritance practices, and forced/ early marriages and identifying the emerging patterns between adherence to culture and Gender-based Violence in Luuka District. The study was carried out using a cross sectional research design where both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and during the data collection, both purposive and simple random sampling methods were used. A sample size of 80 respondents who are households in Bukanha village, Bukooma Sub County, Luuka district including 6 leaders from the same area was also used in the study. The findings of the investigation underscore a pervasive and troubling relationship between adherence to cultural practices in Luuka district and gender-based violence. Adherence to culture through bride price practices, property inheritance practices as well as forced/early marriages all significantly contribute to different forms of gender-based violence that include but not limited to sexual coercion, emotional and physical abuse, economic violence but also denial of many opportunities for the women. These practices that are deeply and strong rooted in the tradition of the region render women as property and perpetuate unequal power dynamics, further entrenching gender-based violence. The findings also reveal the emerging patterns between adherence to culture and gender-based violence such as relaxed laws and regulations, poverty levels as well as education levels of people in Luuka District. The findings affirm the urgent need for comprehensive interventions, policy changes and community education to challenge and address the harmful practices hence promoting gender equality and women’s rights while combatting the scourge of gender-based violence in Luuka district. Finally, the study recommends community sensitization on bride price, legal reforms, women empowerment, education and awareness campaigns, support services for victims, poverty alleviation, cultural sensitivity training, collaboration with religious institutions, ongoing research and peer support programs to combat gender-based violence in Luuka district.