A research sponsored by the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) has revealed that despite the passing of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Act in 2010, the practice is still persistent especially among the Pokot people in Amudat district.
According to the senior researcher, Susan Bakesha, despite the passing of the law, people in Amudat still cherish their culture behind the practice.
“The main appreciation behind the practice is that it enables the parents raise their girls, get married when they are still virgins and the fact that when the woman gets married it’s hard for her to venture into extra marital affairs,” Susan said.
It is claimed that once a woman is mutilated, she loses her sexual desires. “Sex is not something you look forward to and that is the major interest for men,” the report pointed out.
This practice dates back many years ago when people in these areas were entirely pastoralist. They would be away for a long time, and expected to come back to find their wives being faithful.
The research recommended that focus should be put on changing these norms and transforming men’s mentalities to start appreciating that uncut women can also remain faithful in their marriages.