Nyaka and North Kigezi Diocese Unite Against SGBV in Rukungiri

The Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project has joined forces with the North Kigezi Diocese in Rukungiri District to intensify the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This significant partnership was formalized during a meeting that brought together key stakeholders, including officials from Nyaka, clergy, law enforcement, child development centers, and district leaders.

Nyaka, an organization dedicated to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children and their grandmothers in rural southwestern Uganda, highlighted the urgent need for this collaboration. Their SGBV Coordinator, Bylon Natuha, revealed that the organization had documented 105 defilement cases in the preceding four months, acknowledging that the actual figures might be considerably higher due to underreporting.

By engaging religious leaders from the North Kigezi Diocese, Nyaka aims to extend its reach into communities, disseminate vital information on child protection, and encourage the reporting of child sexual abuse. Rev. Muntrive Nshabaruhanga, Diocesan Secretary, pointed to inadequate parental supervision and societal issues like parental absence due to work or alcohol abuse as contributing factors to child vulnerability.

Nathan Alex Mugabe, the Diocesan Household and Community Transformation Coordinator, emphasized the church’s existing support for children through various programs and announced the operation of 12 Child Development Centre branches. He urged for strengthened child protection policies, improved staff vetting, and regular safeguarding training.

Jennifer Tumusiimire, Rukungiri District Senior Probation Officer, shared alarming statistics, noting over 1,800 teenage pregnancy cases reported annually, predominantly involving girls under 17 from specific sub-counties. Clergy members also stressed the importance of open communication between parents and children, advocating for safer environments where children feel comfortable discussing their problems.

This alliance is poised to bolster community awareness, improve reporting mechanisms, and strengthen response efforts to SGBV and child abuse across Rukungiri District.

Source: Nile Post