Assistant Inspector General of Police (retired) Asan Kasingye has criticised the traditional practice of husbands giving their wives daily upkeep money, commonly known as ‘kameeza’ money, describing it as a violation of human rights and a form of degrading and inhuman treatment.
Kasingye questioned why men should give their wives daily allowances when many women are working and earning their own money. He argued that the practice undermines equality between men and women and should not be encouraged in modern relationships.
“Our women work. Why should I give kameeza money to her? Actually, kameeza money is a human rights violation – degrading and inhuman treatment. It’s also against equal treatment between men and women. Giving money to someone makes them lazy and non-productive,” Kasingye said.
Kameeza money is a common practice in many Ugandan households where husbands leave their wives money, usually every morning, to buy food and meet other daily household expenses. The amount varies depending on a family’s income, size and needs.
Traditionally, the money is intended to help wives manage household responsibilities, including buying food, cooking essentials and other necessities while their husbands are away at work.
While some people regard it as a husband’s responsibility to provide money for household expenses, others see it as a traditional arrangement that should evolve as more women become financially independent and couples share family responsibilities.
