By Diana.N.Kintu
Uganda is set to join the global community in the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a campaign aimed at raising awareness and mobilising action to end violence against women and girls. The national launch will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Kasese District Headquarters.
The global campaign, now in its 34th year, begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and ends on International Human Rights Day (December 10). The 2025 global theme is “Unite to end digital violence against women and girls,” while Uganda will run the campaign under the national theme, “Unite to end Violence against Women and Girls: Empower, Consolidate and Sustain the gains.”
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on November 24, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, Hon. Mutuuzo Peace Regis, noted that the campaign comes at a critical moment when cases of online abuse targeting women and girls are on the rise. She called on government agencies, civil society, communities, and development partners to work collectively to combat all forms of GBV—both physical and digital.
The Kasese launch will set in motion nationwide activities spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in collaboration with State and non-State actors. Key priorities for this year’s campaign include advocating for the criminalisation of all forms of digital violence, strengthening the capacity of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute online crimes, and improving data collection to guide national policy and legislation.
The Ministry also seeks to advance women’s participation and leadership in science, technology, and innovation fields, viewing this as essential for addressing online violence and closing the digital gender gap.
Despite ongoing challenges, the government highlighted significant progress in reducing GBV prevalence. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), physical violence against women dropped from 56% in 2016 to 44% in 2022. Sexual violence cases fell from 26% to 17% during the same period. Domestic violence experienced by men was also reduced from 44% to 34%.
The 2024 Annual Crime Report further indicates a slight decline in sex-related offences and defilement cases. Increased public awareness and improved reporting mechanisms, especially through the toll-free Sauti 116 helpline and the Safe Pal App, have contributed to higher reporting rates and timely response.
Uganda’s support system for survivors has expanded as well. The country’s 21 GBV shelters have provided temporary accommodation, psychosocial support, and legal aid to more than 46,000 survivors to date.
Several high-profile activities will mark the 16 Days of Activism. These include a National GBV Symposium on November 27, an activism walk titled “Stride for Change,” a national dialogue with religious and cultural leaders on December 10, and a knowledge fair showcasing GBV research and publications. Media campaigns across radio, television, and digital platforms will also run throughout the period to amplify messages on prevention and response.
Hon. Mutuuzo urged Ugandans to participate actively in the planned activities and to take personal responsibility in preventing violence within homes and communities. She also acknowledged the contributions of UN agencies, embassies, civil society organisations, and the Kasese District Local Government in organising this year’s campaign.
The 16 Days of Activism remain one of the world’s most influential platforms for combating gender-based violence, and Uganda’s renewed commitment signals a continued effort to safeguard the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls across the country.