The Impact of Male Circumcision on the Livelihoods of Households in Bududa District: a Case Study of Bushika Sub-County.

Abstract

The general objective was to establish the impact of male circumcision on livelihood of households in Bududa district: The specific objectives included: to find out the socio economic activities carried out by households,the impact of male circumcision on the livelihood of households and the role played by the community in improving the livelihood of households in Bushika Sub County.

The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design because data was collected from different categories of respondents at once. This approach was used in order to generate quantifiable data, with low error rate. The sample size was 196 respondents. The research instruments used in the study included questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussion guide.

The study found out that the major livelihood of households in Bushika Sub County include; male circumcision, cultivation, bee keeping, animal rearing and trading activities. It was found out that naming, circumcision opening and initiation are the major ceremonies accompanying male circumcision in Bushika Sub County, Bududa District. According to the findings, male circumcision is an indication of becoming a full member of the community, helps in preventing HIV / AIDS pandemic, helps in strengthening the cultural norms, helps in bringing about respect and it is a sign of maturity in the culture and tradition of the Bagisu people. The major role played by the community in improving the livelihood of households in Bushika Sub County include: empowerment and sensitization on cultural norms and the tradition of the Bagisu, mobilization of the community members during the circumcision period, lobbying for government livelihood programs, for example, extension services such as training on activities like agriculture in the community, advocating for infrastructural development such as the roads to boost transport and social support.

It is therefore concluded that male circumcision as a cultural norm among the Bagisu people in Eastern Uganda needs to be preserved and encouraged to transcend from one generation to another as a symbol that signifies the culture and identity of the people of Bugisu land.

The Study recommended that male circumcision as a tradition and culture among the Bagisu needs to be preserved and respected since it has been there for decades.

Login to download()