Kampala — The recent incident in which an elderly man, Stephen Mujoroto, was forcefully circumcised was alarming because he did not consent to the ritual. In fact, all Gisu men have no freedom to choose whether to get circumcised or not.

Studies by the Ministry of Health show that only 24.8% of Uganda's population are circumcised.

It is likely that apart from Muslims and ethnic groups that circumcise as a tradition, others may not know the health and social benefits that circumcision brings. The key principle, therefore, should be "informed consent."

Medical workers say male circumcision prevents penile and cervical cancer whose main agent is HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) which thrives on the foreskin from where it can be transmitted during sexual intercourse.

Furthermore, circumcised men are eight times less likely to contract HIV through the penis, because 'the virus thrives in the foreskin more than on the bare, hardened knob of a circumcised penis.'

Besides, some men find it difficult and painful to move the foreskin back and forth even during cleaning. Women seem to do better in educating their daughters on how to clean their private parts.

But very few men can teach their sons how to clean under the foreskin of their penis. Thus the boys will either forget or avoid this routine and run into difficulties.

Scientists say after passing urine, the foreskin retains some and remains wet, becoming a fertile ground for germs and viruses.

People must be sensitised to accept circumcision. The method, tools, environment and mood surrounding the forceful circumcision of Mujoroto and many others might put the victim at the risk of getting wounds which may get contaminated and develop into septic wounds that may lead to amputations.

Forced circumcision can be traumatic to the individual and his family, especially his wife

A married man should consent to circumcision with the knowledge and approval of his wife so that she can provide post-circumcision care and support.

When conducted in the medical setting, one is advised to refrain from sexual activity for 42 days for effective healing. Wouldn't it require a longer period to recover from native surgery, which is not conducted with a surgical blade but an earthy knife and customary fan?

During this time, the sexual partner must be willing to wait and this is where consent is critical.