Nakivale – Isingiro – Church of Uganda has reiterated its commitment to building safer, more equitable communities and a violence-free environment for refugees.
The commitment was made today by Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Director of Household and Community Transformation, while presiding over the crowning event of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District.
Rev. Agaba commended the Government of Uganda for providing an enabling environment for partners and stakeholders to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard and to shine a light on the systems that perpetuate violence.
“Behind each story is a call for action—for policy change, for accountability, and for societal transformation. Our collective power is immense. Together, we can dismantle the structures that perpetuate violence and rebuild systems of care, inclusion, and justice,” Rev. Agaba emphasized.
He called on the government to strengthen laws and policies that protect individuals from violence and hold perpetrators accountable. He also urged communities to foster environments of respect, safety, and empowerment.
“The commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a testament to the united efforts and voices of individuals, communities, and organizations working tirelessly to end the scourge of gender-based violence,” Rev. Agaba said.
He added, “Over the last 16 days, we have heard the stories of survivors, sparked critical conversations on various forums about the different forms of violence and injustices, and mobilized action against GBV. This brings us hope that together, we can and will create a future free from gender-based violence.”
Mr. Juma Mutungirehi, the Sector Commandant of Nakivale Resettlement under the Office of the Prime Minister, commended implementing partners for working tirelessly to transform the lives of those in the refugee community.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign has been running from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ended today, December 10, Human Rights Day, which the refugee community used to celebrate the day for persons with disabilities.
In July this year, Church of Uganda, through the Directorate of Household and Community Transformation, opened a field office in Nakivale Resettlement to coordinate the Emergency Response to the DRC conflict.
Since then, the Church has implemented an interfaith action for gender justice, training community activists and gender champions to be grassroots agents of gender equality and social justice.
