In many places, COVID-19 restrictions may protect against disease, but have the unintended consequence of making life more dangerous for some, especially women and children. In Uganda, for example, the pandemic has brought about an uptick in domestic violence cases. Sheltering in place with an abusive spouse is not much shelter at all.
Into this difficult situation, Empower is shining the light of truth: a radio program teaching the tenets of Biblical gender equality. Thanks to your generous support, Empower Africa Director Frank Michael Tweheyo has taken to the airwaves since our in-person events are postponed. The response has been very positive.
“I am being happily overwhelmed by calls and acknowledgements from people I am meeting on the streets of Kabale about our weekly programs,” Frank reports.
He has even brought a small group of people into the studio to serve as a “live audience,” and to discuss the content, which is drawn from the New Man, New Woman, New Life curriculum.
“It makes a difference when people are sharing what they are learning with the rest of the multitudes of listeners,” Frank says. “The Empower message works better with discussion, not just teaching.”
One of our faithful listeners, Immaculate Kamukama of Kabale town, is a big fan: “Your teachings are revolutionizing. You are blessing us every time you teach. I am learning so much about God’s redemptive purposes in Christ Jesus!”
The message of redemption and biblical equality is much needed right now, Frank reports. In the last three months, police registered over 5,552 cases of domestic violence in Uganda. Many domestic violence incidents are not reported, so the number is probably higher. And many rapes and sexual assaults, even if reported, do not result in prosecution, which again feeds the cycle of violence.
The country’s cabinet minister in charge of gender, Peace Mutuzo, was quoted in a national newspaper as saying, “The root cause of gender-based violence is the institutionalized male dominance and male superiority tendencies, leading to unequal power and resource distribution…Men and boys during this lockdown have continued to misuse this privileged position to subject gender-based violence on women, children and the underprivileged.”
“Jesus’s message of redemption is coming at a very critical time in our history as a nation (and indeed the whole world) where people need to know that Jesus calls us all to be one in Him,” Frank says.
Your faithful partnership allows us to continue to broadcast weekly in Uganda, bringing the light of truth to shine in a very dark situation. Thank you!