Community perceptions about gendered ritual murders in greater Mukono, central Uganda

Abstract

The study investigated the community perceptions about gendered ritual murders in greater Mukono. Ritual murders have become abig challenge to community members with women and girls constituting approximately 70% of the victims. The study objectives were; to establish the gender-related perceptions of ritual murders in greater Mukono, analyse factors responsible for gendered ritual murders and examined the impact of gendered ritual murders on the greater Mukono Community. The study was purely qualitative in nature, as it employed a qualitative approach alongside a phenomenological design; adopted to enable the researcher describe and interpret the community perceptions about the gendered ritual murder. An in-depth interview method was employed on all categories identified to provide data on one-to-one interaction. Study findings indicated that, over the 5-year period (2019-2024), females were more affected compared to the males. Females were ritually murdered for various reasons: their brains are good atpositive thinking, breasts are a symbol of beauty and power growth. These mixed with charms prevent curses and preserve culture. Males were ritually murdered because of their body parts being able to egnite vigilance and power, determination and fearlessness, among others. The study concludes that Cultural and religious leaders must transform and embrace the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, 2023 (Act No. 27 of 2023), to eliminate ritualistic murders; must spread awareness about the Act and discourage harmful practices. Organizations like the Science Foundation (SF) should screen traditional healers and prevent fraudulent registration. The study recommended the implementation of the newly amended Act 27 Nov. 2023 by the parliament of Uganda. It also Recommended that the ritual murder suspects should be produced before courts of law within 48hours. Police and prison personnel should work closely with community members in order to get information that can help them effectively investigate and convict perpetrators. The Education Curriculum developers should integrate religious values which are life-protecting all levels of education; also include a well-laid down Citzenship education in the curriculum of Uganda.