West Nile – Terrego District; In a landmark initiative to support the mental health, safety, and economic empowerment of forcibly displaced women and girls, ActionAid International Uganda has officially launched a Safe Space for Women and Girls in the Loketa area of Imvepi Refugee Settlement.
The project, funded by the people of Denmark, aims to address the growing needs around psychosocial support, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and economic transformation among vulnerable refugee populations.
A Haven for Healing and Empowerment
The Safe Space—designed exclusively for women and girls—will serve as a trauma recovery and support center, reaching over 150 direct beneficiaries in its initial phase.
Imvepi Refugee Settlement currently hosts more than 73,000 refugees, the majority of whom are from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a striking 85% of them are women and children.
“Many of these women have witnessed unimaginable violence—killings, destruction, and separation from family. This space offers them the chance to heal, receive counseling, and regain hope,” said David Asubu, Regional Field Coordinator for ActionAid in Northern Uganda and West Nile.
He added, “Psychosocial trauma is a silent epidemic here. This center provides structured therapy programs, counseling, and a peer-led support model that can span up to a year depending on each case.”
Integration with Livelihood and Agroecology
What sets this Safe Space apart is its integration with a newly established Agroecology Center—a practical training and production unit where women are learning sustainable agriculture, kitchen gardening, tailoring, basket weaving, and even apiary (beekeeping).
“This initiative is not just about healing trauma; it’s about restoring dignity through skills and income generation,” explained Annabelle Apio, a protection officer with ActionAid. “Women leave therapy and cross into the agroecology space to grow food or learn new trades, helping to reduce economic violence at home.”
A Model of Community-Led Support
The space is run by a registered group of women from the settlement who take charge of activities, decision-making, and peer mentorship. ActionAid and other partners—including the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Human Rights and Rule of Law Consortium (HRRC)—provide technical, financial, and training support.
“This space belongs to the women. They’ve elected their leaders and developed plans. We are simply here to support and strengthen their work,” said Assubu.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence Head-On
GBV remains a serious concern in refugee settings, especially when traditional family structures are disrupted and economic stress is high. Ismail Marikiriza, of the Office of the Prime Minister (Department of Refugees), emphasized the center’s impact:
“Before ActionAid came in, the old structure was barely habitable. Now, this new facility is providing real safety and a platform for dialogue, healing, and change. Women are solving issues together, learning from each other, and implementing those lessons at home.”
He added that around 200 women have already passed through the center since late 2022 and that demand is growing rapidly.
A Call for More Support
While the Safe Space at Loqueta is a significant achievement, both officials and community members stressed the need for more facilities like this across the four zones of imvepi, which consists of 43 villages.
“We need more partners to replicate this model,” urged Vincent Amaroma Manja, Commandant of imvepi Refugee Settlement. “With over 73,000 people here, one center is not enough. But today, we are celebrating a milestone—because this is not just a building. It is a lifeline.”
Looking Ahead
The project began in 2023 with consultations and community engagement. So far, close to UGX 160 million (approx. USD 43,000) has been invested in construction, fencing, and program activities.
As psychosocial trauma and GBV continue to affect large segments of the refugee population, especially women and girls, the Safe Space at Loqueta stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment.
“This center is a bridge,” said Anabel. “From trauma to healing, from silence to voice, from dependency to self-reliance.”
“Suya Susan’s story is deeply moving and a powerful reminder of the importance of safe spaces for women and girls, especially in refugee settlements. Fleeing conflict in South Sudan and arriving in Uganda with nothing but hope, she not only found healing through trauma counseling but also gained practical skills in baking, hairdressing, and agriculture.”
Thanks to ActionAid’s center, she was able to support 16 children—including her own and those orphaned by war—while building a livelihood and ensuring her daughter continued school. Suya’s resilience and determination show how access to support and opportunity can transform lives.
