Uganda bans ‘Disco Matanga’ amid concerns over sexual abuse

The Ugandan government has banned the “disco matanga” funeral celebration, citing concerns over sexual abuse and exploitation.

These all-night events, popular in the eastern border districts, involve men paying for dances from young women to raise money for burial expenses. Critics argue that the parties lead to unwanted prostitution and sexual exploitation.

Cabinet minister Justine Kasule Lumumba described the practice as “an evil dance” that involves young girls performing seductively on stage in skimpy dresses to attract men.

She said that these performances often occur at night, leading to sexual abuse.

The minister added that the parties originated in neighboring Kenya and had become widespread in Uganda. Kenya itself cracked down on the parties in 2018.

An official in Uganda’s eastern Namayingo district, Suleiman Walugembe Juuko, reported that the discos often involve excessive alcohol and drug use, often leading to violence.

He mentioned two fatalities related to Matanga discos: a young girl who was gang raped and a boy who was killed in an attack. Juuko stated that the government is strictly enforcing the ban.

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