A Karamoja chapter of the Uganda Survivors Network has been launched in Moroto District to strengthen access to justice systems for survivors of violence in a region where reporting remains low and gender-based violence cases are widespread.
The launch is driven by concerns over persistent violence against women and children, deep-rooted cultural barriers, and low trust in formal justice institutions, which have continued to limit reporting and accountability in Karamoja.
According to International Justice Mission (IJM) Uganda, only 1 in 10 cases of physical and sexual violence involving women are reported to justice agencies, with stigma, fear of retaliation, normalization of abuse, and institutional distrust cited as key barriers.
Wamaitha Kimani, the IJM Country Director says the expansion of survivor networks is meant to address these gaps by empowering survivors to lead conversations on ending violence and improving justice outcomes.
She noted that IJM began operations in Karamoja in 2020 in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland and is currently working in Moroto, Amudat, Napak, Nakapiripirit, and Nabilatuk districts.
Margy Lolem, the Moroto District Community Development Officer says gender-based violence was previously normalized due to entrenched patriarchal norms, but is now increasingly recognised as a human rights violation. She attributes ongoing cases to poverty, discrimination, and harmful perceptions of women, but noted that coordination meetings and survivor-led initiatives are improving awareness and response.
By URN
Leave a Reply