A politician in the African nation of Uganda has been forced to backtrack after he said men should "beat" their wives.

Speaking on Ugandan television channel NTV, Onesimus Twinamasiko said "as a a man, you need to discipline your wife.

"You need to touch her a bit, you tackle her, beat her somehow to really streamline her," he said.

Mr Twinamasiko's comments were in response to claims that Museveni men who beat their women were cowards and should face the full force of the law.

Bugangaizi East MP Onesimus Twinamasiko has been forced to back down over comments he made about beating women. (Supplied) (Supplied)

The MP representing Bugangaizi East has since walked his comments back, telling BBC Focus on Africa his words were taken out of context.

"I don't mean beatings which cause injuries or death, but a slap, I would feel fine!" Mr Twinamasiko said. "Because it's calling me to order. We would sit down and sort it out.

"I was slapped once by my wife and it was OK with me, because we sorted out our differences. I also slapped her once. She had wronged me."

Mr Twinamasiko's words sparked outrage in Uganda and across Africa, with women's rights groups and activists calling for his resignation on Twitter.

Diana Kagere of the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) told the BBC Mr Twinamasiko should make a public apology to all women who have experienced violence.

"He should do the honourable thing and withdraw that statement. It's really a shock that a member of parliament would justify violence in any way. This is about crime."