Uganda bans ‘disco matanga’ over sexual abuse concerns

Uganda has banned night-long parties held to raise money for funeral expenses, commonly known as ‘disco matanga’, over sexual abuse reports.

General Duties Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba imposed the ban on the events, whose name is Swahili for ‘funeral disco’, on Monday.

This follows numerous reports of drug and alcohol abuse, girls being sexually abused and individuals being attacked during the gatherings.

“Matanga disco is an evil dance. We have stopped it and those who are found holding it will face the full force of the law,” Lumumba was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying.

“Young girls are made to perform on stage in skimpy dresses and seductively dance to attract men to contribute to burial expenses, and these performances are done at night where the girls are sexually abused.”

‘Disco Matanga’ originated from funeral traditions in the Luo and Luhya communities of western Kenya.

The gatherings, which draw friends, family, and the broader community, traditionally included rituals, songs, and dances intended to honour the deceased.

But over time, the practice incorporated elements like loud music, turning them into party-like events often lasting throughout the night.

This tradition spread to Uganda, particularly in districts in the East where cross-border cultural exchanges with Kenyan communities are common.

As the gatherings evolved, they attracted criticism from communities, religious leaders, and government officials due to concerns about drug and alcohol abuse, which led to disorderly behaviour and violent altercations.

The vigils often became hotspots for sexual exploitation, with concerns about minors being drawn into inappropriate activities, including premature exposure to sexual acts and drug use.

Kenya itself cracked down on ‘disco matangas’ in 2018 over similar concerns.

Then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i banned them after more than 17,000 teenage pregnancy cases were reported in the coastal Kilifi County, linked to the night vigils.

However, in 2022, then Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa lifted the ban.