From Conflict to Peace: How Legal Aid Restored Hope for Elizabeth and David

Chepitumege Elizabeth, 20 years old, married Domocholia David on 27 May 2024, and the couple has since been living in their matrimonial home in Lobrin village, Ngongosowon Parish, Amudat Subcounty, Amudat District. 

At the time of marriage, Elizabeth’s father, Mr. Tobole Solomon, demanded 33 herds of cattle as dowry. Twenty-seven were paid, and it was agreed that the balance of six cows would be settled by May 2025. In line with Pokot cultural tradition, a husband also gifts his wife two cattle to help her start life in her new home. David gave Elizabeth two cows accordingly.

In Uganda — as in many parts of Africa — the giving of money or property to the bride’s family has long been seen as a cultural expression of appreciation. Among the Pokot of North-Eastern Uganda’s Karamoja region, cattle are highly valued and form the main “bride price” exchanged during marriage ceremonies. This tradition often frames how girls are viewed, with marriage negotiations focusing on the number of cattle a family can receive.

However, this practice has long raised concerns, as it can expose girls to various forms of violence. In August 2015, the Uganda Supreme Court ruled that requiring bride price as a condition for customary marriage is unconstitutional. The judges noted that the term “bride price” itself could imply that a woman is being bought, reinforcing harmful perceptions.

Against this backdrop, in May 2025 — before the six outstanding cattle could be delivered — Tobole, accompanied by his four adult sons, stormed Elizabeth and David’s home. They demanded the remaining cattle, which David did not have at the time. The group violently assaulted David in Elizabeth’s presence, leaving him seriously injured. They also forcefully took Elizabeth’s two cows, claiming they would count toward the dowry balance. David reported the assault to the police, and Elizabeth filed a theft case over her two cows.

While at the police station, the couple learned about “Make Happiness, Not Violence” — a project by UN Women and the Uganda Law Society, supported by the EU–UN Spotlight Initiative. Hoping for a solution, they turned to the Uganda Law Society’s legal aid clinic in Amudat. During mediation, Tobole was brought in and told clearly: under Ugandan law, dowry is not required, and any cattle or gifts given during marriage cannot be taken back, even if the marriage ends.

As a result, Elizabeth’s cows were returned, David’s medical expenses were paid, and the family reconciled. Today, Elizabeth and David are back together in peace — a testament to the power of legal awareness and mediation in protecting vulnerable families.

Wider Picture

In Amudat District, women and girls continue to face violence in many forms. Data from the Uganda Law Society’s Amudat Legal Aid Clinic shows that economic violence is the most common, with 203 cases involving women and nine involving men. Many women report being denied control over resources, livestock, or income, leaving them vulnerable and dependent. 

Equally troubling are other related forms of violence, affecting 196 women, and harmful traditional practices, which impacted 61 women—a clear indicator that cultural norms continue to put women’s rights and safety at risk.

Sexual violence was reported in 30 cases involving women, while 22 women suffered physical or domestic violence. Notably, the data shows that men rarely reported such violations, underscoring the disproportionate impact on women.

These figures reflect not just statistics but stories of resilience and courage. Through legal aid, mediation, and awareness efforts, survivors are finding pathways to justice, dignity, and empowerment.

Beatrice Angufiru, the ULS Programme Manager in Amudat, says the project is helping communities understand their rights through regular legal aid clinics, resolving conflicts peacefully and protecting women and families from harmful practices.

“These stories show that people are becoming aware of the law and choosing reconciliation over violence,” she says. “In one case, a 70-year-old man wanted to divorce his wife of over 50 years and demanded 80 cows so he could marry a younger woman. We told him he could not turn his wife into a young girl. These are the issues in our community that need ongoing sensitisation.”

The Spotlight Initiative is a major multi-year programme by the European Union and United Nations, dedicated to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG), including harmful practices like child marriage and FGM, and strengthening survivors’ access to services.

In Uganda, it’s implemented through a strong partnership among seven UN agencies—including UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UNHCR—alongside the Government and civil society.