KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — For decades, the narrative around sexual violence has centered on women as victims and men as perpetrators. But in Uganda, a growing chorus of voices is challenging that deeply ingrained assumption, bringing into focus the often-silenced experiences of male survivors.
The issue gained renewed attention this week as legal experts and academics debated the complexities of addressing sexual violence against men within a legal framework historically designed to protect women. While statistics show women are disproportionately affected – a 2022 UNFPA report found 11% of women reported experiencing sexual violence in the previous year, compared to 4% of men – advocates argue the lower numbers don’t diminish the harm experienced by male survivors, but rather reflect societal barriers to reporting.
“Sexual violence against men has existed but has received relatively little attention,” said Ivan Kyazze, a senior state prosecutor, during a recent discussion at Makerere University’s law school. “Because in Uganda and elsewhere, men are considered strong and dominant.”
Kyazze is spearheading a call for legal reform, arguing Uganda’s penal code, which defines rape as unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman, is inherently biased. He suggests the law needs to evolve to recognize male victims and address the unique challenges they face.
The reluctance of men to come forward is multifaceted. Dr. Busingye Kabumba, a senior law lecturer at Makerere University, points to the fear of being disbelieved or further traumatized by the legal process. “Is it the incredulity about the idea that a man is too powerful to be powerless?” he asked. “Are we saying men are so powerful that they can never be overruled or violated?”
Societal stereotypes also play a significant role. Many believe it’s physically impossible for a woman to rape a man, or that a man should simply be able to resist. These misconceptions contribute to a culture of silence, leaving male survivors to grapple with the physical and psychological consequences – including anxiety and depression – in isolation.
The issue extends beyond physical acts. Experts like Dr. Daphine Agaba, a lecturer in Gender Studies at Makerere University, highlight how women can use emotional and sexual intimidation, or even drugs, to coerce men into unwanted sexual acts, particularly in situations where a power imbalance exists, such as in the workplace.
However, Agaba cautions against redefining rape solely to include male victims, arguing it risks decontextualizing the systemic power dynamics that underpin sexual violence, which historically and overwhelmingly disadvantages women. She believes addressing male victimization can, paradoxically, strengthen the fight for women’s rights. “Now that men want to be included in the rape law, will we see marital rape in our laws?” she questioned, referencing decades of failed attempts to criminalize marital rape in Uganda.
The conversation also extends to the broader issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the region. While Uganda’s statistics focus on intimate partner and acquaintance violence, neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo report alarmingly high rates of SGBV against men, including rape, genital mutilation, and forced sterilization.
The path forward remains unclear, but the growing dialogue signals a shift in awareness. Advocates hope that by acknowledging the experiences of male survivors, Uganda can move towards a more inclusive and just legal framework that protects all victims of sexual violence.
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