Indigenous women have confronted unique problems stemming from stereotypes of
them perpetuated by non-Indigenous men since contact. Such stereotypes have
rendered Indigenous women vulnerable to violence and mistreatment. The removal of
Indigenous people from their land, their placement on reserves and the loss of the
traditional male roles of hunter-provider have caused role conflicts, frustration and anger
which often finds its outlet in violence against women.
The cycle of violence, combined with the poverty and deprivation facing many
Indigenous women in Uganda, is connected to a higher rate of incidents involving the
law than the general population. Simple failure to pay fines accounts for many
incarcerations. Lack of resources and few choices often result in limited recourse for
Indigenous women. High rates of domestic violence afflict Indigenous women
throughout Uganda. In Uganda, one in three Indigenous women suffer abuse at the
hands of her partner.
