Rwanda National Police

Police in Ruhango District have appealed to married couples to resolve their misunderstandings peacefully rather than resorting to violent and criminal methods as means to overcome their domestic challenges.

The call was made on November 8, by Inspector of Police (IP) Augustin Mbonyumugenzi, the commander of Byimana police station while interacting with 21 couples from Byimana Sector.

The couples are among those that were having domestic conflicts.

IP Mbonyumugenzi enlightened them on how to resolve their conflicts and educated them on family laws in Rwanda, including those that protect the rights of women and children.

He reminded husbands that their spouses have equal rights and that they should be equally part of decision making in their families.

Male chauvinism is said to be one of the major causes of family conflicts.

“Effects of domestic misunderstandings go beyond homes and affect your children, who might end up siding or leaving your homes; sometimes you acts turn criminal and one of you ends up in jail. Understand that there can be differences, but they should be intended to seek solution for the wellbeing of your families not to destroy them,” IP Mbonyumugenzi told the couple.

Under article 148 of the penal code, any persons who intentionally causes injuries to another, or beats or commits any serious acts of violence against another person is liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of Rwf100, 000 to  Rwf500, 000 or one of these penalties.

He also asked them to legalize their marriages as required by the law.

IP Mbonyumugenzi noted that most cases of domestic violence recorded at the area emanate from disagreements on family property, drug abuse and excessive drinking of alcohol.

He also advised them to always open up and attend community gatherings such as Umugoroba w’ababyeyi and Umuganda where these conflicts are discussed and resolved.

He further urged them to share information with other families that could be embroiled in domestic disputes to resolve them before they turn violent.

The interaction included testimonies of the couples on their conflicts, and in the end it became the basis for the couples to reconcile and forgive each other.