Hope and Resilience at Kyaka II: A Community's Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

In a place where displacement and hardship are everyday realities, young people are leading a movement against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with support from the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

At Bujubuli Secondary School, one of 292 schools (186 Primary Schools , 94 Secondary Schools and 12 Technical Vocational Education Trainings)  in Uganda targeted by the Spotlight Joint Programme, change is evident. Young voices, once silenced by fear and cultural norms, now rise with confidence, advocating for a future free from violence and discrimination. Students like Jack Basubi, an 18-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, have learned that standing against GBV starts with awareness and action.

“I was able to learn that when I witness abuse at school or home, I can report it,” Jack shares. “Violence is never a solution.”

His classmate, Brian Tumwesigye, echoes this sentiment. “We have seen students drop out due to GBV-related challenges, especially teenage pregnancies, but we encouraged them to return. Now, our association helps keep them in school.” The association, with 60 members, 30 boys and 30 girls, has become the backbone of the school’s anti-GBV efforts, fostering peer-to-peer support and ensuring young people stay in school.

For girls like Sharon Kyokuhaire, the school’s GBV club has been life-changing. “I used to be shy and afraid to speak up,” she admits. “Now, I know my rights and can stand up for myself.”

Adellah Ampiire, another student, highlighted the practical support the club provides. “Before, girls missed school because they lacked sanitary towels. Now, we support each other so no one is left behind.”

Beyond the school, local leaders are seeing real change. “We appreciate the support in preventing and responding to GBV, supporting education, and skilling,” says Mr. David Mugenyi, the settlement commandant.

The numbers underscore the urgency: According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022, 40% of women aged 20-49 were married before 18, and 52% of women in the same age group have experienced violence from a partner. With Kyaka II’s population swelling from 80,150 to 133,010 due to ongoing conflict in the DRC, the need for action has never been greater.

With financial backing from the Team Europe Initiative development partners, namely the European Union and the Netherlands Embassy, the UN implementing agencies comprising UNHCR, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women, the Spotlight Initiative is making a difference.

Mr. Michael Wells, Assistant Representative at UNHCR, affirmed this commitment: “As the UN family, we shall continue to engage the government of Uganda and partners for greater investment in ending GBV, protecting children, and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights.”