Austria and Uganda launch Shs 14bln project to combat GBV in Greater Masaka

MASAKA, March 21, 2025 – The Governments of Austria and Uganda have launched a €3.5 million [approximately Shs 14 billion] three-year project aimed at combating gender-based violence [ GBV ] in the Greater Masaka region.

The project, named “Justice 4Her”, was launched on Wednesday at Masaka High Court in Masaka City. Its aim is to ensure that women and girls in the region can easily access justice through the courts.

Masaka High Court Circuit was selected as one of the pilot courts for the project because of the high prevalence of GBV cases in the area. Other participating courts include Chief Magistrate Courts of Masaka, Kalangala, Sembabule, and Rakai.

According to the initiators of the project, it serves as a reminder that justice is not an abstract concept but the foundation of a fair and equitable society. Additionally, the initiative acknowledges the vital role of probation and social welfare officers in locating victims and preparing victim impact statements.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Masaka High Court Judge, Lawrence Tweyanze, stated that the timing of its implementation in Greater Masaka region was crucial, as it would help reduce the backlog of GBV cases and improve victim support.

He revealed that Masaka High Court is currently managing 4,203 criminal cases, of which 565 are GBV-related. He said that to better handle these cases, court has set up special hearing sessions for GBV matters.

While launching the project, the outgoing Principal Judge, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, who was recently appointed Deputy Chief Justice by President Yoweri Museveni, remarked that the Masaka region accounted for 60 percent of cases of defilement, rape, and GBV.

Plight of women and girls explained 

He explained that in Uganda, many women and girls have suffered in silence due to societal norms, economic barriers, and systemic inefficiencies. He further highlighted that many GBV cases remain unresolved because of a lack of legal awareness, fear of retaliation, or the perception that the justice system is out of reach for most women.

“The interests of justice demand that we, together, challenge harmful norms, strengthen our legal frameworks, and ensure that survivors are met with compassion, not condemnation,” he said.

Why funding the project was necessary

Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer, Head of Austrian Embassy/Development Cooperation, explained that Austria is funding the project at a cost of €3.5 million to ensure that women and girls who are victims of GBV have access to justice. She noted that countries with fewer GBV cases often experience higher levels of development.

“We emphasise that access to justice is an essential element for an effective, accountable, and gender-responsive justice delivery system,” she said.

Project to strengthen criminal justice response

The UN Women Country Representative, Dr. Pauline Chiwangu, stated that the project aims to strengthen the criminal justice system’s response to GBV cases, ensuring the realisation of women and girls’ inalienable rights.

She expressed appreciation to the Austrian Development Agency for its continued commitment to fighting GBV and improving access to justice for women and girls in Uganda.

Chiwangu also explained that GBV remains pervasive throughout Uganda, not only violating the human rights of victims but also severely hindering the nation’s economic and social development. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey [UDHS] 2022, the prevalence of physical violence experienced by women in Uganda stands at 51 percent, well above the African average of 37.7 percent.

Sexual violence remains a critical issue

Sexual violence remains a critical issue, with 17 percent of women and 6 percent of men aged 15-49 having experienced sexual violence in the 12 months prior to the survey, and 11 percent of women and 4 percent of men having experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

Chiwangu also pointed out that the Uganda Police Annual Crime Reports for 2021-2024 have shown a steady increase in defilement, rape, and domestic violence cases, with some nominal improvements during certain reporting periods.

The official highlighted that the 2024 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report recorded a slight decrease in sex-related crimes, from 14,846 cases in 2023 to 12,424 in 2024. However, the report also noted that 1,667 female adults were victims of rape, while 12,009 of the 12,317 victims of defilement were female, with 308 male juveniles among the victims.

Lengthy court procedures and systemic gaps queried

Chiwangu emphasised that lengthy court procedures and systemic gaps discourage women from reporting these crimes. “According to a 2022 Uganda Demographic Health Survey, excessive delays impact justice in all GBV cases, where, on average, a case filed in court takes 919 days to be resolved,” she said.

“We have observed slow case disposal processes, logistical and technical capacity challenges, negative attitudes among duty bearers, as well as social factors where victims experience significant shame and societal pressure to conceal abuse or withdraw cases,” she added.

Stakeholders urged to increase funds for GBV

She called on the Government of Uganda and non-governmental organisations to increase funding and human resources to effectively handle GBV cases. “Responding to gender-based violence is a lifesaving priority and essential to the wellbeing of women and girls,” she said.

This project serves as a pilot of a tried-and-tested model, offering a valuable opportunity for other East African countries to learn from and replicate its success.

Additionally, GBV case management teams will be established, consisting of judicial officers, investigation officers, prosecutors, legal aid service providers, and probation and social welfare officers. These teams will manage GBV cases in their respective courts, agreeing on the caseload and timelines on a quarterly basis.

https://thecooperator.news/masindi-district-to-prioritise-gbv-in-budgeting/

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