Uganda says it wants justice for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

But many barriers still stop women and girls from getting the help and the court outcomes they need. New leaders, civil groups, and donors are talking about change during the 16 Days of Activism. The big question is simple: can the country fix the broken parts of the system so survivors are safe and heard?

When the new Director of Public Prosecutions, Lino Anguzu, spoke at the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism, he made a clear point: the ODPP cannot do this work alone. He called for stronger partnerships, more reporting of crimes, and shared responsibility across government, police, civil society and communities. This message shows how people in the justice system now see GBV as a problem that needs teamwork and faster action. (Nilepost News)

The facts that matter are stark. Large surveys and official reports show GBV is common in Uganda. Past national studies found that a large share of women and girls have suffered violence, and many never report it. Fear, stigma, lack of money, long distances to services, and weak trust in police or courts all stop survivors from coming forward. These gaps mean many crimes go unpunished and repeat. If people do not report, the justice chain has nothing to act on. (Uganda Bureau of Statistics)

Other reports show that when survivors do seek help, the justice system can be slow or confusing. Case management systems are uneven, and police and court staff may lack training in how to handle trauma, privacy, and evidence for GBV cases. This slows prosecutions and lowers conviction rates. Specialists and donors have urged better coordination between health services, police, social workers and prosecutors so survivors get a full response, medical care, counselling, protection and a fair court process. (UNFPA Uganda)

There is also a global angle. UNICEF and other agencies report that sexual violence against girls remains a huge problem worldwide — and sub-Saharan Africa shows higher rates for some measures. These global estimates remind us that Uganda faces problems that many countries share: under-reporting, invisible harm, and the long trauma survivors carry. That makes national action more urgent and harder at the same time. (Reuters)

So where are the main barriers, and how can they be fixed?

First, awareness and trust. Many survivors do not report because they think nothing will change. Campaigns must build real trust in services. That means clear public information about how to report, what services are available, and what to expect. It also means showing survivors that prosecutions can happen and that protection orders and support services work. Anguzu and his office have begun public outreach to explain how prosecution fits into the response. (Nilepost News)

Second, service links and speed. Survivors need a fast, joined-up response: health care for injuries and forensic needs, safe shelters, police protection, and speedy case handling. Where these pieces are weak or far apart, survivors lose hope. Strengthening one-stop centres and ensuring police refer cases quickly to prosecutors would cut delays and improve evidence. Donors and UN agencies are already pushing for better funding and coordination during the 16 Days of Activism.

Third, training and culture. Police, prosecutors, judges, and health workers need constant training on how to handle GBV with care and respect. Many trainings already take place, but they must be regular, monitored, and tied to performance. A change in everyday practice, treating survivors respectfully, protecting evidence, and avoiding blame, will help more cases reach justice.

Fourth, data and accountability. Better data helps spot gaps and measure progress. Uganda has policy frameworks and some gender data, but more timely, local data on reports, prosecutions, and service outcomes will help plan where to invest. Civil society and the government must publish clear progress reports and be held accountable for targets. (Uganda Bureau of Statistics)

Finally, community work. Laws and courts matter, but so do the homes and villages where violence often begins. Community leaders, men’s groups, schools and faith groups must be part of prevention work. The 16 Days of Activism build public pressure and help change social norms that accept violence.

Uganda has laws, policies and a growing set of partners pushing for better outcomes. The challenge now is to turn words into systems that work for survivors every day, from the moment they report, to the day they see justice served and begin to heal. If the ODPP, police, health services, donors and communities truly work together, the barriers can fall. But it will take clear plans, steady funding, better data, and the courage to change practices that have allowed violence to hide for too long. (Monitor)