International Projects

Uganda – Gender-Based Violence, Human Trafficking, & Human Security

The Social Impact Institute has partnered with colleagues in Uganda since 2013 to address the intersecting issues of gender-based violence (GBV), human trafficking, and untreated mental health concerns. GBV remains a significant concern in Uganda, affecting women, men, and children across all regions. It manifests as physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, and includes harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). These forms of violence erode social cohesion, inhibit economic participation, and violate fundamental human rights.

Human trafficking—whether for sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, or forced marriage—disproportionately impacts women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. Trafficking inherently involves physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, making it a severe and pervasive form of gender-based violence. Across all regions, untreated or inaccessible mental health care further compounds vulnerability, limiting survivors’ ability to heal and communities’ capacity to prevent exploitation.

Integrated Human Security Framework

Our Uganda initiatives are grounded in a Human Security Framework, which recognizes that sustainable safety and well-being depend on strengthening the core conditions that protect individuals and communities.

·        Personal Security: Freedom from violence, coercion, and exploitation.

·        Health Security: Access to basic and mental health care, including trauma-informed counseling.

·        Economic Security: Opportunities for education, income generation, and self-sufficiency.

·        Community Security: Supportive social networks and community structures that reinforce safety and   

      gender equity.

·        Human Rights Security: Protection of bodily autonomy, legal rights, and equitable access to justice.

By addressing structural inequities, gender discrimination, and gaps in health and mental-health infrastructure, the Social Impact Institute aims to strengthen human security and reduce the vulnerabilities that give rise to violence and exploitation.

Current Uganda Focused Projects

Soroti District – Opucet Village

Program Goal: To increase human security and reduce the risk of human trafficking by addressing structural inequalities and gender-based vulnerabilities in the Soroti District. This program is conducted in collaboration with colleagues at Advocacy for Vulnerable Children’s Rights in Uganda and community leaders in Opucet Village.

Primary Funding Goal: Completion of the Opucet Health and Counseling Clinic, which will expand access to essential health care and trauma-informed counseling for rural populations. The clinic will provide basic and emergency medical services, psychosocial support, relationship and trafficking education, and community training.

Bukedea District

This program—also in partnership with Advocacy for Vulnerable Children’s Rights in Uganda—focuses on expanding GBV prevention and response services in Bukedea.

·        Deliver community-based programming and trauma-informed counseling related to GBV.

·        Strengthen mental health support networks for survivors.

·        Increase awareness of human security risks affecting women and children.

Long-Term Objective: To build and staff a dedicated shelter for women and children who are survivors of violence.

Primary Funding Goal: Support the development of the shelter and expansion of counseling and prevention programs.

Mukono District

In Mukono District, the Social Impact Institute collaborates with volunteer staff from the Project to End Human Trafficking – Uganda Division.

Program Goal: To raise awareness about human trafficking risks—particularly the sex trafficking of girls and women—through school-based outreach and community engagement. Current efforts include education programs, strengthening community awareness of recruitment tactics, and increasing the capacity to identify trafficking indicators.

Background Information

Gender-Based Violence Prevalence

GBV is widespread in Uganda, with women and girls disproportionately affected. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016, about 56% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and 22% have faced sexual violence. These figures highlight the systemic nature of GBV in both rural and urban areas. Child marriages remain prevalent, with 34% of girls married before the age of 18. Furthermore, during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, GBV cases surged due to factors like restricted movement, financial stress, and disrupted support systems.

Causes of Gender-Based Violence

Cultural Norms and Patriarchy

1. • Traditional gender roles in Uganda often position men as dominant and women as subordinate. This entrenched patriarchy normalizes violence as a means of asserting control over women.

   • Practices like bride price contribute to the perception that women are property, increasing their vulnerability to abuse.

Poverty and Economic Dependence

1. • Economic hardship drives many women into dependence on male partners, reducing their bargaining power and exposing them to abuse. Men facing economic pressure may also resort to violence out of frustration.

Weak Legal and Policy Implementation

1. • Although Uganda has enacted laws like the Domestic Violence Act (2010) and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (2009), enforcement remains weak due to corruption, underfunded systems, and inadequate training of law enforcement.

Lack of Awareness and Education

1. • Limited knowledge about human rights and the consequences of GBV contributes to its persistence. Many victims remain silent, fearing stigma or reprisal.

Conflict and Displacement

1. • Prolonged conflicts, especially in Northern Uganda, have left many communities vulnerable. Displaced persons and refugees often face heightened risks of GBV due to weakened social structures and resource scarcity.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

1. • Alcohol abuse is a significant driver of GBV, as it often exacerbates conflict within households and reduces inhibitions that may otherwise deter violence.

International Projects

Syria 

The Social Impact Institute team is working with colleagues connected to Syria to provide psychoeducation on critical issues such as human trafficking, gender-based violence, and mental health, all of which are essential for empowering Syrian citizens and fostering resilience within communities. 

By raising awareness, individuals can better recognize risks, access support, and protect themselves and their loved ones. Psychoeducation equips citizens with practical knowledge about identifying signs of exploitation and abuse, understanding their rights, and seeking help through local and international resources. 

Additionally, it addresses the importance of mental health by promoting coping strategies, reducing stigma, and encouraging psychological well-being amidst ongoing challenges. This effort contributes to building safer, more informed, and resilient communities.