The Study of People’s Perceptions Towards Defilement - In Mukono District

Background of the Study Defilement is one of the most prevalent crimes in Uganda as evidenced by the increasing cases reported to the law enforcement and work agencies. Government has put in place legal control measures but the crime is still being committed. Unfortunately most offenders often escape punishment. Law of defile and rape dates back from the coming of the British colonialists towards the end of the 19th century. Prior to the establishment of British rule in Uganda, the different ethnic communities subscribed to their own unwritten codes later termed as Customary laws and practices. Level of development among particular tribe depended on th·eir nature of existence. Where a community lived in a permanent and settled existence, customary law was developed than among communities whose societies were nomadic. Never the less, a body of law of some sort always applied. There was universal recognition in different societies of the need for clearly defined rules to enable people live peacefully together. The relationship between men, women and children were strictly regulated. Among many ethnic groups, a girl wasn't expected to have sexual intercourse with a man until the marriage was finalized. Yet in some communities, a man couldn't marry a girl until he had ambushed her actually had sexual intercourse with her.