Men and gender violence should no longer be discussed from a one-sided view. Researchers at Makerere University have called on society to shift its approach. They believe men must be seen not just as perpetrators, but also as victims of war, trauma, and social breakdown — and as drivers of peace and recovery.
This appeal came during a recent research dissemination event at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). The session shared findings from a three-year project called “From Violence and Victims to Voices and Visions.” Prof. Sarah Ssali and Dr. Evelyn Lutwama Rukundo led the research in Acholi communities in Northern Uganda. These areas suffered more than two decades of conflict. The findings showed a clear gap — post-war recovery efforts largely ignored men.
Mindfulness Tools Brought Men Back to Life
The project introduced a program named “Stepping Stones for Peace and Prosperity.” It used mindfulness training, role-playing, and open dialogue to help men reconnect with their roles in society. The goal was to reframe men not as broken or dangerous, but as capable and valuable contributors to peace.
Men learned how to express emotions using “I statements.” These phrases, such as “I feel ignored when I’m not consulted,” helped them speak without blaming others. The sessions also taught breathing exercises, communication skills, and self-reflection.
Dr. Rukundo said many young men who had been drinking or gambling turned their lives around. They began farming again, reconnecting with their families and taking part in community projects. In Bukuru A, for instance, role-plays inspired local leaders to build a new road and borehole.
Men and Gender Violence Must Be Reframed
Prof. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Women and Gender Studies, urged a rethinking of men and gender violence. She said trauma from conflict doesn’t affect only women and children. Men also carry emotional scars that, if unhealed, can lead to more violence. But when men are involved in healing, they often become protectors of peace.
The research showed that prolonged war shattered traditional masculinity. Men, once seen as leaders and providers, felt lost and disconnected. But the right tools helped them regain their identity and purpose. With support, men stopped being passive. They started engaging with their communities again.
Inclusion Is the Key to Peacebuilding
True healing cannot happen when half of a community feels left out. Makerere researchers proved that involving men creates real results — not just personal change, but also wider development. Men who feel valued are more likely to help build peaceful, safe communities.
Prof. Julius Kikooma praised the use of mindfulness in this work. He said it helped people move from seeing themselves as victims to becoming agents of change. He urged leaders to include men in all gender and peacebuilding conversations.
Men and gender violence are deeply connected issues. But the solution lies in inclusion, not exclusion. To prevent future conflict, society must give men space to heal, speak, and act. When that happens, peace becomes possible — not just for some, but for all.
For a related report on youth and violence, read this article on the Mbale double murder involving a teen suspect.
