Ugandans call for resignation of MP who wants men to ‘beat’ their wives

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.”

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: