The Impact of Household and Community Interventions on Family Leisure Time in Uganda

The Impact of Household and Community Interventions on Family Leisure Time in Uganda

Most people in Uganda, especially in rural areas, do not prioritise leisure time (time taken to spend on oneself) daily. Leisure is often viewed as wasted time. However, the benefits of leisure, such as getting enough sleep, are critical to someone’s health, relations with others, and participation in paid work.

This policy brief presents findings from interventions taken at the household/individual and community level aimed at changing family behaviour to recognise, reduce and redistribute their daily activities while reducing the burden of care and domestic work on women and girls.

Results show that individuals/households only (P.O) can increase women’s time spent on leisure activities by, on average, 35 minutes. In contrast, for men, the potential interventions to reduce time spent on leisure activities is through community and environment-wide focused interventions (W.E.R) by 29.3 minutes.

However, these were not significant in 18 months of evaluation. With more leisure time, community dialogues indicated more harmony in the home, and the women looked much younger and happier. We recommend an increase in sensitisation and awareness about the health and welfare benefits of leisure to family units and solving intimate partner violence. This can be through community radios, drama and role-play.

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• Published Feb 13, 2025