Widowhood Rites And The Rights Of Women In Uganda A Comparative Study Of Different Tribes In Uganda On Traditional Practices Against Human Rights

The link between fundamental human rights and the right to carry out traditional practices may come into conflict with each other. The study is an attempt to describe the practice of widowhood rites in the different ethnic groups in Uganda and find out the reasons that underlie the practice. Some of these rites include cruel and degrading treatment. It also sought to find out why widowhood rites persist in spite of Uganda being a signatory to many human rights instruments. The study focuses mainly on women, but also looks at what happens to men when they become widowers. The rites differ and the study looks into the reasons underlying the differences. Finally the study addresses the role of institutions in controlling and changing the practice. The reasons why people go through widowhood rites are varied just as the set of practices are varied. Love, farewell, blessings, proof of innocence with respect to causing the spouse's death, and obedience of tradition are the main reasons why people go through widowhood rites. The force of international conventions and national legislation to ensure the enjoyment of fundamental human rights is still hampered by tradition. The study shows that men go through widowhood rites, but the practices are usually not as strict as in the case of women. The legal framework in Uganda clearly forbids traditional practices that do not conform with the country's human rights obligations. In addition there are state institutions which have mandates that allow them to handle and control widowhood practices. Their efforts however are still hampered by traditional values. it is therefore my conclusion in order to fully implement international human rights standards activities especially in sensitization must be stepped up to achieve the desired results.