Uganda Doubles Down on Protecting Children and Addressing Gender-Based Violence
New York, USA – Uganda has reinforced its dedication to bolstering child protection systems and tackling gender-based violence (GBV) across both humanitarian and development sectors. The commitment was formally announced Friday, March 13th, 2026, during a key sideline event at the Commission on the Status of Women held in New York City.
The event, themed “Asking and Telling: A Screening Innovation for Enhancing Access to Care for Girl Survivors of Sexual Violence in Humanitarian and Development Contexts in the East and Horn of Africa,” convened a diverse group of stakeholders – government officials, humanitarian organizations, researchers, and civil society representatives – to explore cutting-edge strategies for addressing sexual violence against girls, with a specific focus on the unique challenges faced by refugees in the East and Horn of Africa region.
A Collaborative Approach to a Critical Issue
The session was jointly organized by the Government of Uganda, the Government of Ethiopia, the Population Council, and the Baobab Research Programme Consortium, demonstrating a unified regional effort to address this pressing issue. A high-level Ugandan delegation participated, including Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency; Hon. Betty Amongi Ongom, Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development; Hon. Flavia Kabahenda, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development; Ms. Zaminah Malole, Secretary of the Presidential Awards Committee; Ms. Catherine Nassuna, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Water and Environment; and Dr. Angella Nakafeero, Commissioner for Gender and Women Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, alongside other senior officials and representatives from civil society organizations.
Minister Amongi, in her opening remarks, underscored Uganda’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence. She highlighted the global urgency of addressing sexual violence against children, particularly given Uganda’s role as a host nation to nearly two million refugees, a significant proportion of whom are vulnerable children. Uganda’s policies and programs, she explained, are firmly rooted in international agreements such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Sustainable Development Goals, alongside national frameworks like the National Child Policy and Implementation Plan.
Minister Babalanda, delivering the opening address, welcomed attendees and praised the collaborative spirit between governments, research institutions, and humanitarian partners. She emphasized that Uganda’s response has evolved beyond mere policy declarations to encompass concrete action. A prime example is the groundbreaking Violence Against Children and Youth Survey conducted in refugee settlements in 2022, which revealed alarmingly high rates of violence and a significant underreporting of incidents among survivors.
Innovative Screening Programs Offer Hope
Building on the survey’s findings, Uganda is piloting an innovative school-based sexual violence screening intervention, delivered by trained para-social workers within refugee settlements. This proactive approach, Minister Babalanda explained, is a crucial step towards early identification of survivors and connecting them with essential care and protection services. This initiative represents a shift towards preventative measures and survivor-centered care.
Technical presentations showcased practical experiences from both Uganda and Ethiopia in implementing these screening interventions within refugee settings. Ms. Lydia Najjemba Wasula, from Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, clarified that sexual violence encompasses a broad range of non-consensual acts. She emphasized the importance of sensitization sessions with pupils to encourage open communication and help-seeking behavior, noting that proactive screening has demonstrably increased the identification of survivors and improved access to vital services.
Ethiopian representatives shared their experiences adapting Uganda’s model to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms for girls in their own refugee communities. Panel discussions and closing remarks consistently highlighted the critical need for regional collaboration and the scaling up of these innovative interventions. Representatives from the Population Council, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Baobab Research Programme Consortium reaffirmed their commitment to supporting evidence-based strategies that enhance protection for vulnerable children.
Speakers lauded Uganda and Ethiopia for their continued dedication to refugee protection, even amidst declining donor support. They emphasized that the screening innovation exemplifies the potential of locally-driven solutions. Participants collectively agreed on the necessity of expanding screening programs, strengthening community-based protection systems, and ensuring that survivors of sexual violence, particularly girls in humanitarian settings, can safely disclose abuse and receive timely care and support. What role can international organizations play in sustaining these locally-led initiatives? And how can we ensure these programs are culturally sensitive and responsive to the specific needs of each community?
The Broader Context of Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings
Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue in humanitarian crises, often exacerbated by displacement, poverty, and the breakdown of social structures. Refugee women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of sexual assault, domestic violence, and exploitation. Addressing GBV requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, response, and long-term support for survivors. The UNHCR provides comprehensive information on GBV in refugee contexts.
Uganda’s commitment to innovative screening programs aligns with global best practices in GBV prevention and response. Early identification of survivors is crucial for providing timely medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance. Furthermore, strengthening community-based protection systems empowers local actors to address GBV at the grassroots level. The World Health Organization offers resources on addressing violence against women.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda’s Child Protection Efforts
What is the primary goal of Uganda’s sexual violence screening program?
The primary goal is to identify survivors of sexual violence early on, particularly among refugee populations, so they can be connected to appropriate care and protection services.
How does Uganda’s National Child Policy contribute to safeguarding children?
Uganda’s National Child Policy provides a framework for comprehensive child protection, outlining strategies to prevent violence, abuse, and exploitation.
What role do international organizations play in supporting Uganda’s efforts to combat gender-based violence?
International organizations like the UNHCR and the Population Council provide financial and technical assistance, as well as advocacy support, to strengthen Uganda’s GBV prevention and response mechanisms.
Why are refugee girls particularly vulnerable to sexual violence?
Refugee girls are often more vulnerable due to displacement, poverty, lack of access to education, and the breakdown of traditional protection systems.
What is the significance of the “Asking and Telling” theme of the Commission on the Status of Women event?
The theme highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors to disclose abuse and access support, emphasizing the need for proactive outreach and sensitive communication.
This renewed commitment from Uganda signals a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable children and addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. By prioritizing proactive screening, strengthening community-based systems, and fostering regional collaboration, Uganda is demonstrating leadership in safeguarding the rights and well-being of those most in need.
Share this important story to raise awareness and support efforts to protect children and combat gender-based violence. Join the conversation in the comments below – what other innovative solutions can be implemented to address this global challenge?
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