Friday 25th September 2022 in Buliti zone-Kyaka II Refugee Settlement inhabitants together with different government officials launched 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls under the theme “Unite! Activism to end Violence against Women and Girls.” “It is a campaign that runs from 25th November up to 10th December and is a joint campaign by all civil and government bodies to ensure that they put in place the conditions that reduce risks that affect women and girls.” Godfrey MATSIKO -Alight staff. Kyaka II refugee settlement is currently home to 134,199 refugees with 43,397 households according to Uganda-Refugee Statistics January 2022, and Gender Based Violence cases involve early marriages, denial of resources, sexual exploitation and harassment, and physical assault.
As UNHCR we are committed to supporting GBV programs in Kyaka II refugee Settlement and host communities. Despite funding challenges, we are still committed to supporting with the few resources available. Fighting GBV needs collaboratory efforts from all partners, different government bodies, and communities as well. We shall strengthen the systems we have to ensure that response to GBV is increased by supporting referral pathways, and partners are expected to play their role.
Mr. Gilbert Akuma -UNHCR Kyaka II Protection Associate Officer.

When asked about what UNHCR is about to do regarding food assistance, an item that community members claim its insufficiency to be the principal source of violence whereby in most refugee homes men prefer to misuse it in acts that they think ease their stresses and leave the family back home in terrible wanting. Mr. Gilbert Akuma replied in these words,
” Our mandate as UNHCR is protection, the international protection. Food assistance is the responsibility of WFP but as UNHCR we are committed to skilling the generation of youth and women to see that they attain self-reliance. We also engage the government to avail more land for refugees to do agriculture because globally UNHCR doesn’t have enough money due to the high level of demand. We also appeal to the refugees to engage in agriculture and vocational skills activities to sustain their own living. Also, men should actively be involved in fighting against GBV because they are the first perpetrators of violence against women and girls.”
The keynote speaker of the day was Mrs. Monica KARUNGI, the Kyegegwa district Resident District Commissioner. In her speech which was more pastoral (Bible-based), she reminded men of the responsibility they’ve been given by God to protect women ever from creation. She also solicited them to patiently deal with and handle women’s transgressions remembering that they are soft vessels. After she signed on board to confirm her office’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

Alight, formerly known as the American Refugee Agency -ARC, and the area’s main implementing partner for protection presided over the function among other partners like OPM and UNHCR.

On behalf of all partners, I want to appreciate everyone, community leadership especially Refugee led organizations for having their part of these activities. I thank the fruitful fraternity and everyone who is behind reducing cases of Gender Based Violence -GBV and its effects by ensuring that the survivors get justice.
Mr. Godfrey MATSIKO, ALIGHT STAFF
through Kyaka2.com wants to appreciate as well each and every effort produced either by the government or different agencies in Kyaka to make the livelihood of both refugees and their hosts get well. Moreover, so many thanks go to UNHCR and Alight staff who honored our microphones and shared their views with us under the critical weather.
Published by kyaka2.com in parternship with The Triple T and New Global Vision – NVG
Photos: PACIFIC KING (Triple T) and Brown Fils (NVG)
It’s a good and wonderful day for the United to end violence against women and children and girls.
God bless you for your time and consideration and effort.
You’re welcome Bonheur. Hope ur good