Family Disputes and Child Care Among Polygynous Families: A study of Kamwenge District

Authors

  • Abeera Odetha Katuramu Senior Lecturer of International Relations & Diplomacy, Department of Political & Administrative Studies-Kampala International University, Kampala-Uganda

Keywords:

Polygyny, Family disputes, Child care, Domestic violence, Socio-cultural factors

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of family disputes on child care in polygynous households in Kamwenge District, Uganda, focusing on two key dimensions: domestic violence and socio-cultural factors. Polygynous family structures, while culturally entrenched, often present challenges for child welfare, including unequal caregiving, resource allocation, and psychosocial development. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 270 respondents through structured questionnaires and interviews, achieving a 90% response rate, indicative of strong engagement and relevance of the topic. Quantitative findings reveal that domestic violence significantly undermines children’s well-being, leading to emotional insecurity, neglect, and reduced parental attention, while socio-cultural factors, including community tolerance of polygyny, gender norms, and victim-blaming attitudes, limit reporting and perpetuate unequal treatment. Domestic violence was perceived as having a slightly stronger negative impact than socio-cultural factors, though both dimensions jointly influence child development. Qualitative insights highlight how competition among co-wives, patriarchal decision-making, and cultural acceptance of polygyny exacerbate household conflicts and resource disparities, further affecting children’s access to education, health services, and emotional support. The study recommends targeted interventions such as counseling, community sensitization, and child protection programs that address both immediate household conflicts and long-standing socio-cultural norms. By providing context-specific evidence, this research contributes to understanding the complex interplay between family disputes and child care in polygynous households and offers practical guidance for policymakers, local authorities, and NGOs seeking to improve child welfare in culturally sensitive ways.

 

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Published

2025-08-21

How to Cite

Katuramu, A. O. (2025). Family Disputes and Child Care Among Polygynous Families: A study of Kamwenge District. Journal of Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa , 9(2), 22-37. Retrieved from https://journals.rcmss.com/index.php/jggsda/article/view/1267