Ugandans are fuming on social media after comments from an MP who said that men should “beat” their wives. Onesimus Twinamasiko said on Ugandan television channel NTV that: “as a man, you need to discipline your wife.
“You need to touch her a bit, you tackle her, beat her somehow to really streamline her.”
“As a man, you need to discipline your wife…touch her a bit, tackle her and beat her to streamline her”- Onesmus Twinamasiko, MP, Bugangaizi East said following comments by Museveni that men who beat women are cowards and should face the full wrath of the law. pic.twitter.com/jLXTblnEUC
— NTV UGANDA (@ntvuganda) March 12, 2018
His comments seem to have been a response to an earlier statement made by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni who described men who beat their wives or girlfriends as “cowards”.
Critics say the MP should apologise for his words as they are against the campaign for domestic violence. In Uganda, many women aged 15-49 have been victims of domestic or sexual violence.
One leading women’s rights group in Uganda, the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) says the MP should seek therapy.
“Mr Twinamasiko should make a public apology to all women who have experienced violence,” Diana Kagere of the CEDOVIP told the BBC.
“He should do the honourable thing and withdraw that statement. It’s really a shock that a member of parliament would justify violence in any way. This is about crime.”
The MP has since tried to clarify his statement. He told the BBC: “I don’t mean beatings which cause injuries or death – but a slap – I would feel fine! Because it’s calling me to order. We would sit down and sort it out.
“I was slapped once by my wife and it was OK with me because we sorted out our differences. I also slapped her once. She had wronged me.”
But Ugandans are not enthused and are calling for his resignation via a hashtag. Here’s how they reacted on Twitter:
If Onesmus had said something controversial about governance, more people might be up in arms demanding a resignation. And then demand that women also join the fight. Don’t leave this fight to women. #OnesmusTwinamasikoMustResign
— Shriveled Ballz (@hiio5) March 11, 2018
I am so tired of this nonsense. It is no wonder that many an average man is battering their girlfriend or wife. We continue to normalise this BS. We remain quiet. We blame “militant feminists” who speak while these men get no consequences. #OnesmusTwinamasikoMustResign https://t.co/8DVWygYa0t
— Edna Ninsiima (@BeingEdna) March 11, 2018
It’s disgusting how violence against womyn is tolerated and perpetuated – and by all of you! This system is what allows men like that to say things like that. But they don’t end at saying! They beat, assault and harm womyn and y’all just watch! #OnesmusTwinamasikoMustResign
— Tяıċıa (@triciatwasiima) March 11, 2018
We all must be deliberate about ending this harmful rhetoric which we all know often translates into action. Womyn’s Day you were celebrating womyn and vowing to do the most to protect them. Do it. Media, @Parliament_UG, @UWOPA, @KagutaMuseveni #OnesmusTwinamasikoMustResign
— Edna Ninsiima (@BeingEdna) March 11, 2018
This is the mentality of many men. Your boss, your favorite teacher/lecturer, your favourite uncle, your brother, your father, your boyfriend who promises he only has your best interest at heart. This is not right! This can not be the norm!#OnesmusTwinamasikoMustResign
— the lone mukiga (@hazel_muriro) March 11, 2018
Men appointed by Museveni continue to encourage violence against womyn and face no consequences, remember #KibuuleMustGo? Then banaU will say “Sevo is a feminist”?
Clearly he only cares about his daughters and those of his rich friends #OnesmusTwinamasikoMustResign— The Sweet Laments of Rihanna (@amgodiva) March 12, 2018
Twinomasiko or whatever his name is got me messed up!
I’m going to bed.#OnesmusTwinamasikoMustResign pic.twitter.com/PzVtWXhwsd— the lone mukiga (@hazel_muriro) March 11, 2018
