Reports suggest that men in Kamuli District, Uganda, have begun competing for breast milk alongside babies. This peculiar occurrence appears to be prevalent in Nabwigulu, Kisozi, Namasagali, and Bulopa sub-counties.
The revelation about this practice about breast milk surfaced during a nutrition project training session hosted by the Aids Education Group for Youth (AEGY), with assistance from CARE Uganda, in Kamuli municipality.
Ms Christine Owagage, the Namasagali female district councillor, said, “While babies in their first critical days depend on their mothers for care and support, men have started competing with them for breast milk.”
She reported that during health dialogues and antenatal visits, women have disclosed to hospital officials that their husbands are now requesting to be breastfed at night alongside their babies.
Mr Julius Otai, Senior Psychiatric Nurse at Kamuli District General Hospital, has associated this behaviour with a sexual-related disorder known as social arousal, which, according to him, is a manifestation of deprived love.
“It is a sexual disorder and often competing love deprivation occurring to baby boys and by the man sucking out the nutrients meant for the baby, such babies are likely to suffer deformities,” he further explained.
Ms Joweria Namugwere, an AEGY nutrition officer, highlighted that this practice jeopardises babies’ well-being as they are unable to feed adequately, leading to reduced productivity. She also noted that Gender-based Violence (GBV) is escalating as a result.
During his midnight programme, radio presenter Mr Owen Kyakulaga expressed astonishment when callers openly admitted that breastfeeding made them feel stronger and healthier. They viewed it as an expression of love towards the mother.
Mr Emanuel Babalanda, the Deputy Royal Prince (Isabalangira) of Bugabula chiefdom, attributed the trend to the influence of social media, drug abuse, and Western culture.