The Iteso Cultural Union has launched a new set of Family and Gender Relations Guidelines aimed at addressing harmful cultural practices and strengthening the fight against gender-based violence in homes and communities.
The guidelines, published in a handbook with support from International Justice Mission, were officially launched on Tuesday 26, in Tororo during a function attended by cultural leaders, government officials and community representatives from across eastern Uganda.
The handbook directs that serious criminal offences including domestic violence, sexual assault, defilement and child marriage must be reported to the formal criminal justice system, while minor family disputes may be resolved through mediation by clan leaders.
The initiative makes the Iteso Cultural Union the third cultural institution in Uganda to develop context-specific protection guidelines with support from IJM, following Tieng Adhola in 2023 and Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu in 2024.
While presiding over the launch, Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot strongly condemned gender-based violence and called for peaceful homes and communities. “GBV must stop and has no place in this generation.
We want peace in our homes,” Emolot said.He added that the cultural institution would work closely with local governments and the justice system to ensure effective implementation of the guidelines. “We will work hand in hand with the local government and the justice system,” he noted.
The guidelines also outline marriage and family practices within Iteso culture. Under Section Eight, the handbook states that every man and woman aged 18 years and above has the right to marry freely and with full consent, while prohibiting intra-clan marriages, child marriages and abduction for purposes of marriage, warning that such acts attract punishment under both customary and national law.
The document further recognises bride price as part of Iteso custom but cautions against its misuse to exploit or demean either party. It also provides for the issuance of customary marriage certificates by the cultural institution after completion of marriage rites.Section Ten of the handbook details the stages of marriage, including courtship, family background checks, introduction ceremonies and family assessments aimed at ensuring compatibility and readiness for marriage.
Wamaitha Kimani, the IJM Country director, commended the Iteso Cultural Union leadership for prioritising the protection of women and children. “The guidelines affirm culture as a force for good, one that protects dignity of vulnerable women and children, upholds justice, promoting peaceful coexistence in homes,” she said.
Tororo Mayor Tororo Bernard Ochieng welcomed the guidelines, saying they would help restore respect, responsibility and accountability within families and communities.“These guidelines are timely because they address the root causes of violence in homes while preserving the positive values of our culture,” Ochieng said. “Communities must support leaders and law enforcement agencies to protect women and children.”
During the event, survivor leaders from the Uganda Survivor Network staged a skit depicting different forms of violence experienced in homes and communities, while urging local leaders to support survivors in reporting cases to police and seeking justice. Among the leaders who attended the launch were Julius Oketcho and representatives from cultural institutions including Ker Kwaro Acholi, Tieng Adhola, Samia and Bugisu. URN