Ugandan Men & Sexual Violence: Challenging Silence & Legal Bias
Kampala, Uganda – While global conversations around sexual violence typically focus on female victims, a growing chorus of voices in Uganda is highlighting a largely silenced issue: the sexual assault of men. Activists and legal experts are pushing for a broader understanding of sexual violence, challenging deeply ingrained societal norms and legal frameworks that currently fail to adequately protect male survivors.
The UNFPA’s 2022 gap analysis of population-related indicators in Uganda reveals a significant disparity, but also demonstrates that men *are* experiencing sexual violence. The report indicates that 11 percent of women reported experiencing sexual violence in the 12 months preceding the 2022 survey, compared to 4 percent of men. While women are disproportionately affected, the data confirms that male survivors represent a measurable and often overlooked segment of the population.
The perpetrators of sexual violence against women are commonly identified as current or former intimate partners, strangers, friends, and acquaintances. However, for men, the study identifies current or former wives/intimate partners as the primary perpetrators. This detail underscores the often-intimate nature of the abuse experienced by male survivors, and the power dynamics at play within relationships.
A critical barrier to addressing this issue lies within Uganda’s legal code. Section 110 of the penal code defines rape as unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman, effectively excluding men from legal protection as victims of sexual assault. This legal gap was the focus of a recent exploration conducted by lawyer Ivan Kyazze, who questioned audiences at Makerere University’s law school about their perceptions of male rape.
“I want to pose a question. Do you believe that men are raped by women? Think about it,” Kyazze challenged, highlighting the societal disbelief and stigma that often prevents male survivors from coming forward. He argued that the prevailing assumption that men are always perpetrators, and never victims, contributes to the silence surrounding male sexual violence.
Kyazze’s research suggests that societal perceptions often render the idea of a woman raping a man physically impossible, and that the legal system prioritizes the violation of women over men. He advocates for a revision of Uganda’s rape laws to include protections for male victims, arguing that rape is an international crime that requires a universally applicable definition.
The definition of rape, as understood legally, involves a non-consensual act resulting in penetration. Kyazze points out that this definition applies regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or the victim. He also noted that, as a state prosecutor, he has heard from men who have been sexually abused by spouses, workmates, and employers, but these cases rarely reach the courts.
Dr. Daphine Agaba, a lecturer in Gender Studies at Makerere University, initially questioned the possibility of men being raped by women. However, after polling male friends and hearing their experiences, she began to understand the reality of male sexual victimization. One man shared that he felt “raped and violated” by his wife who desired a third child, illustrating the complex emotional and psychological impact of such abuse.
Despite acknowledging the existence of male sexual violence, Dr. Agaba expressed reservations about redefining rape within the penal code. She argued that such a change could decontextualize the issue, overlooking the systemic power imbalances that contribute to sexual violence against women. She believes that addressing male victimization could ultimately benefit both men and women survivors, potentially leading to greater societal awareness and support.
The discussion surrounding male sexual violence also intersects with the ongoing debate over marital rape in Uganda. For over sixty years, Uganda has lacked a legal definition of marital rape, and attempts to include it in legislation have repeatedly been defeated. In 2021, President Yoweri Museveni declined to assent to a marital rape law, reportedly citing duplication of existing laws, a decision activists decried as a setback for women’s rights.
Dr. Agaba suggests that bringing male experiences into the conversation around marital rape could potentially shift the dynamics and garner broader support for legal reform. “Now that men want to be written into the law, to be included in the law, they will now start to understand the real plight that we’ve been facing,” she stated, expressing hope that male inclusion could finally lead to the criminalization of marital rape.
However, Dr. Agaba also emphasized that the challenges faced by female survivors remain significant. She pointed to low conviction rates for female rape victims, indicating that the legal system is not yet adequately serving the needs of women. She cautioned that addressing male sexual violence should not come at the expense of prioritizing the rights and protections of women.
Beyond the issue of female-perpetrated sexual violence, Dr. Agaba highlighted the often-overlooked reality of male-on-male sexual assault in Uganda and the wider region. Citing statistics from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where one in four men has experienced sexual violence, she emphasized that while women are disproportionately affected, sexual violence is not exclusive to them. She noted that in the DRC, men often face horrific forms of abuse, including rape, genital mutilation, and forced sterilization.
A key factor contributing to the silence surrounding male sexual violence is the fear of being disbelieved or further traumatized by the legal process. Dr. Busingye Kabumba, a Senior Law Lecturer at Makerere University, explained that survivors, both male and female, often fear the intrusive and impersonal nature of court proceedings. He noted that the focus on factual details can overshadow the emotional trauma experienced by survivors.
Kabumba also pointed to the societal perception of men as powerful and invulnerable, which can lead to disbelief when they come forward as victims. “Is it the incredulity about the idea that a man is too powerful to be powerless?” he asked, questioning the underlying assumptions that prevent male survivors from being taken seriously.
The emerging conversation in Uganda about male sexual violence represents a crucial step towards a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of sexual assault. However, significant legal, societal, and cultural barriers remain. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort to challenge deeply ingrained norms, reform legal frameworks, and provide support and protection to all survivors, regardless of gender.