Uganda, Austria and UNFPA Renew Partnership to Strengthen Justice and GBV Protection in Northern Uganda

By Christine Namatumbwe

 

The Government of Austria, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and government of Uganda have renewed their partnership to strengthen access to justice, sexual and reproductive health services, and protection against gender-based violence (GBV) for women and girls in Northern Uganda.

 

The third phase of the Strengthening SRHS, access to Justice, freedom, equality and rights (SAFER) Project will receive €3.4 million in funding from the Austrian Government. The 30-month programme will run from September 2026 to February 2029, targeting the Karamoja, Acholi and Lango sub-regions.

 

The initiative builds on previous efforts to improve survivor-centred services, strengthen justice systems and address harmful social practices that disproportionately affect women and girls.

 

Speaking at the official signing ceremony, UNFPA Uganda Representative Kristine Blokhus said the project would strengthen coordination between justice institutions, health services and communities to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence receive comprehensive support.

 

She emphasised the importance of a coordinated response that enables survivors to access essential services and pursue justice in a safe, supportive and dignified environment.

 

“The project is about ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence can access the support they need, from health services to justice, without facing unnecessary barriers. Strengthening coordination among institutions is essential to ensuring that survivors are protected and their rights upheld,” Blokhus said.

 

The renewed partnership builds on achievements recorded during the previous phase of the SAFER Project, which contributed to the disposal of 785 gender-based violence cases through special court sessions.

 

Under the third phase, the programme aims to reach an additional 830,870 people affected by gender-based violence, expanding access to essential services while strengthening prevention, response and accountability mechanisms.

 

The project will also address harmful practices, including female genital mutilation, child marriage and technology-facilitated abuse, which continue to threaten the safety, rights and well-being of women and girls.

 

Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, Head of the Austrian Embassy and Development Cooperation in Kampala, said the programme was designed not only to improve access to essential services but also to empower individuals to defend their rights and seek redress when those rights are violated.

 

“The programme helps ensure that individuals are not only able to access services but are also empowered to claim their rights and seek redress where those rights are infringed,” Kerschbaumer said.

 

Austria’s €3.4 million contribution will support interventions aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, improving access to essential services and promoting sustainable social change across the targeted sub-regions.

 

The funding is expected to support stronger links between service providers and justice institutions, helping to improve the response to gender-based violence and make essential services more accessible to vulnerable communities.

 

Representing the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Permanent Secretary Robert Kasande reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the project and improving coordination among institutions responsible for justice, health and protection services.

 

Kasande described the agreement as a continuation of an established partnership, urging participating institutions to translate their commitments into measurable improvements in the lives of women, girls and other vulnerable members of the community.

 

He underscored the importance of institutional collaboration, accountability and improved access to justice in ensuring that the programme achieves its objectives.

 

The third phase of the SAFER Project will prioritise integrated service delivery, institutional capacity-building and socio-cultural transformation, with a strong emphasis on government ownership and sustainable systems.