By Christine Keehe
On a quiet evening in Wakiso District, Sarah (not her real name) sat quietly in her small home, her eyes fixed on the floor. Just hours earlier, she had endured another argument with her husband, which quickly turned violent. What started as a heated exchange escalated into physical abuse, something she had grown all too familiar with over the years. Fear and shame kept her silent, hiding the bruises that marked her body and the pain that haunted her every day. Like many women in Uganda, for years, Sarah endured physical and emotional abuse within the walls of her own home, the place that should have been her sanctuary. Yet, like many survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), she remained silent, paralyzed by fear of stigma, economic dependence, and retaliation. “I thought people would blame me,” she confesses softly. “In our community, women are often told to endure.” Sarah’s story is one of suffering behind closed doors, a silent crisis that affects thousands, often unnoticed and unspoken.
A crisis hidden behind closed doors
Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals because of their gender. It includes physical assault, sexual violence, emotional abuse, economic deprivation, and harmful cultural practices. Across Uganda, the numbers paint a troubling picture. According to recent surveys on GBV, more than 55% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, and 22% have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. Police statistics further highlight the scale of the problem. Uganda recorded 12,424 cases of gender-based violence in 2024, including 1,607 rape cases and over 12,000 defilement cases, most involving young girls. Domestic violence remains widespread, with over 14,000 cases reported in 2024 alone.
Dr. Juliet Nakato, a gender rights expert and researcher, emphasizes, “These figures are just the tip of the iceberg. Cultural stigmas and fear prevent many victims from reporting abuse. The true scope of GBV in Uganda is far higher.”
A 2023 report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) estimates that only 30% of GBV incidents are officially recorded, underscoring the significant underreporting. Experts warn that many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation, social shame, or lack of faith in the justice system.
Homes have become dangerous
For many survivors, violence occurs not in public spaces but in their own homes. Mary, a 27-year-old mother of two from Mukono District, says her relationship became abusive shortly after she lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic. “He started drinking heavily,” she says. “Every small disagreement turned into insults and sometimes beatings.” At first, she kept the abuse secret even from her family. “I didn’t want people to think I had failed in my marriage.” Eventually, the violence escalated. “I realized my children were watching everything,” she says. “That’s when I decided to leave.” Child protection experts warn that witnessing violence can have devastating long-term effects on children. “Children who grow up in violent environments are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and later, perpetuate the cycle of violence,” explains Joseph Kato, a child psychologist working with an NGO in Kampala.
GBV reports
According to a 2022 UNICEF report, children exposed to domestic violence are twice as likely to experience emotional and behavioural problems later in life. Girls at the Greatest Risk. While GBV affects people of all ages and genders, girls and young women remain particularly vulnerable. Police data consistently shows high numbers of defilement cases, where minors are sexually abused. In districts like Katakwi, authorities recorded over 2,000 GBV cases in 2024 and more than 2,500 cases from January to September 2025, including physical, economic, and psychological abuse.
But where is the problem
Local officials attribute the rising numbers to poverty, early marriage, and limited access to education. “In some rural communities, girls are married off at a very young age,” says Grace Achieng, a community development officer in eastern Uganda. “This often exposes them to lifelong abuse and deprives them of opportunities for education and independence.” Research by the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) shows that early marriage increases the risk of domestic violence by up to 70% among young women.
The economic cost of violence
Gender-based violence not only affects individuals, but it also damages entire economies. Experts estimate Uganda loses tens of billions of shillings annually due to GBV, covering healthcare costs, lost productivity, and legal expenses.
Dr. Samuel Opio, a development economist, notes, “For every shilling spent on GBV prevention and response, Uganda saves several times that in health, legal, and social costs. Investing in prevention is not just moral; it’s economic sense.”
Healthcare workers report that survivors often carry physical injuries, chronic illnesses, and mental health issues for years. “The psychological scars can last a lifetime,” says Nurse Lydia Nabbosa. “Many women and girls suffer in silence, often with limited access to mental health support.”
According to the World Bank’s recent report, the economic burden of GBV in Uganda is estimated at over 1.5 trillion Ugandan shillings annually, largely due to healthcare costs and lost wages.
The culture of silence
Despite the alarming statistics, GBV remains one of the most underreported crimes. Deep-seated social attitudes discourage victims from speaking out. A woman in Kampala shared her experience of daily harassment: “No matter what I wear, someone still tries to touch me or make comments.”
Advocates highlight how cultural norms around masculinity and gender roles perpetuate violence. “Many societies still see men as the breadwinners and women as submissive,” explains Grace Mukasa, a gender activist. “When these beliefs dominate, violence becomes normalized and justified.”
The justice gap
Legal frameworks exist to combat GBV, but enforcement is inconsistent. Although laws criminalize domestic violence and sexual assault, many cases are never prosecuted. A report by the Uganda Law Reform Commission indicates that fewer than 20% of reported cases result in convictions.
Legal aid lawyer Isaac Mugisha explains, “Victims often face a lengthy, exhausting process in court, which discourages many from pursuing justice. Fear of stigma and lack of trust in the justice system are major barriers.”
A turn in the talk
Despite the overwhelming challenges, stories of resilience and hope emerge. Sarah’s journey is just one among many. After escaping her abusive marriage, she sought support from a women’s shelter and later started a tailoring business. Today, she is an advocate for survivors. “My experience made me stronger,” she says. “I want every woman to know she is not alone and that help is available.” Similarly, in northern Uganda, Grace, a 19-year-old girl who survived child marriage and violence, now leads local awareness campaigns. “If I had known my rights earlier, I would not have suffered in silence,” she shares. “Now, I dedicate my life to helping other girls stay in school and avoid early marriage.”
The GBV Issue should be a collective responsibility
The fight against GBV requires a collective effort. Government policies like the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (2020–2025) aim to strengthen legal frameworks, improve survivor support, and promote gender equality. However, experts insist that community-level engagement is key.
“Change begins with us,” asserts James Otim. “Men must become allies, and communities must reject violence in all its forms. Education, awareness, and enforcement are the pillars of sustainable change.”
International donors and organizations continue to support grassroots initiatives, including safe spaces, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building for law enforcement.
What can you and I do?
NGO leaders emphasize that empowering girls through education and community awareness is vital. “When girls stay in school and communities understand the importance of gender equality, we see a decline in early marriages and GBV,” says Esther Kyambadde, director of the Girls’ Education Initiative Uganda.
NGO leaders emphasize the need to challenge these norms. Amina Nanyonga, head of the Ugandan Women’s Network, states, “Changing societal perceptions is crucial. We need education campaigns that promote gender equality and respect.”
NGO leaders call for faster, more accessible justice systems. Esther Nalubega, director of the Legal Aid Service, urges, “We must simplify procedures and increase awareness, so survivors know their rights and feel empowered to seek justice.”
NGO programs have also empowered many survivors through vocational training, mental health support, and legal assistance. The “Survivor Empowerment Initiative” reports that over 60% of women who accessed these services reported improved self-esteem and economic independence.
More call to action
The statistics, stories, and voices shared here underscore the urgent need for continued action. Every survivor’s story is a testament to resilience and the possibility of change. Support Local NGOs: Contribute to organizations working directly with survivors, providing shelter, legal aid, and counselling services. Promote Education: Advocate for comprehensive gender equality education in schools and communities to challenge harmful norms. Report and Respond: If you witness or experience GBV, report it to authorities or support organizations. Silence perpetuates violence. Engage Men and Boys: Involve men and boys in conversations about respect, equality, and non-violence to foster a culture of change. Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies that strengthen legal protections, improve enforcement, and allocate resources for survivor support. Remember, ending GBV is a shared responsibility. Every action counts. As Sarah puts it, “If I had spoken earlier, maybe I could have prevented others from suffering. We all have a role to play, whether as individuals, communities, or policymakers, to end GBV once and for all.”