KAMPALA, Uganda : The Government has commended International Justice Mission (IJM) for its concerted efforts in supporting the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in communities, which has increasingly contributed to family breakdown.
The remarks were made by Chief State Attorney at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Sharifah Nalwanga, during the official launch of the Kampala chapter of the Survivor Network. The event was held at the Baháʼí House of Worship auditorium in Kawempe Division.
The event attracted over 100 participants, including members from the Bwaise Voice of Women and the Kanyanya Brave Women groups. It was held under the theme, “Amplifying Survivor Voices for the Protection of Children and Women.”
Nalwanga noted that the ODPP strongly appreciates the vital role IJM plays in building the technical capacity of Survivor Network members to advocate for justice for vulnerable victims of GBV.
She urged victims of violence to report their cases to the ODPP’s Department of Children and Gender-Based Sexual Offences, located at Workers House, 11th floor, for prompt action.
Highlighting the impact of ongoing interventions, Nalwanga revealed that the ODPP’s eighth edition of its justice program for vulnerable persons achieved an 80 percent conviction rate, reflecting significant progress in addressing GBV cases.
Meanwhile, a senior officer from the Uganda Police Force’s Child and Family Protection Unit, Jackson Mucunguzi, who officiated as chief guest, reaffirmed the police’s readiness to arrest GBV suspects. He emphasized continued collaboration between the police, the ODPP, and the courts to secure more convictions.
Mucunguzi expressed concern over recent crime statistics, which rank GBV as the third most prevalent offense, underscoring the urgent need for stakeholders to intensify sensitization campaigns to curb the vice.
The Uganda Country Director of IJM, Wamaitha Kimani, commended the leadership of the Kampala Survivor Network chapter for their efforts in advocating for the prevention of GBV. She pledged continued logistical and technical support to strengthen community outreach and impact.
Survivor Network leaders from Bwaise Voice of Women, Diana Kabagenyi Asaba, and Kanyanya Brave Women, Robina Nyirabuntu, shared moving testimonies of the violence they endured in their previous relationships.
They credited counseling and mentorship support from IJM for helping them rebuild their lives and transform into advocates for the rights of women and children.
The event also featured an insightful panel discussion titled, “Breaking the Silence: Encouraging Survivor Reporting and Strengthening the Justice System to Support Survivors.”
