Kampala University founder, Prof. Badru Kateregga, has revealed that he endured prolonged mistreatment at the hands of his estranged wife, Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga, and that by the time he decided to speak out publicly, his life was on the line.
In an interview with NTV, Prof. Kateregga said many men remain silent about domestic abuse due to fear of bruising their ego, adding that despite his social status, his decision to be open about the issue has helped him cope.
“I am a very open person. I strongly come out and say, ‘This is right, and this is wrong.’ Society often assumes that only women are abused, yet many men also face abuse but stay silent,” Prof. Kateregga said.
He added, “Because of the fear of embarrassment, many men die in silence, which is wrong.”
Prof. Kateregga claims that his wife repeatedly subjected him to physical abuse and even forcefully evicted him from his own home in Buziga, Kampala.
He stated that he is not afraid to speak out, especially if doing so can save his life.
“I did not want to die in silence like many men who have died in similar circumstances. I don’t mind if society judges me,” he said.
He described himself as a survivor of domestic violence and said he has no regrets about going public with his pain and experience.
Prof. Kateregga also dismissed claims that Kampala University was a joint venture, citing both the age of the institution and that of his wife.
“She claims that we acquired things together. No one started Kampala University with me. How old is Kampala University? It is 26 years old. If it’s 26 years old and she is 35, who started this university?” he asked.
The domestic dispute between Prof. Kateregga and his wife, Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga, continues to attract significant public attention, sparking widespread debate both offline and on various social media platforms.