HUMANITARIAN AGENCY RAISES RED FLAG OVER SURGE IN GBV CASES IN RHINO CAMP

Logo of the humanitarian agency that has raised the flag (Courtesy)

By Martin Anguyo

Arua City

The leadership of Integrated Child Services (ICS) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, warning that the trend is undermining efforts to empower women and girls through resilience-building initiatives in Terego District.

The concerns were raised during a press conference held at the organization’s offices in Ofua Zone II, where project officials noted that persistent domestic violence, sexual abuse, early marriages and other forms of GBV continue to expose women and girls to heightened vulnerability despite ongoing interventions by humanitarian agencies.

Speaking during the briefing, ICS Project Officer Apiteru Ruth said the growing prevalence of GBV remains one of the biggest obstacles to the successful implementation of the organization’s Building Resilience of Women and Girls programme.

“Violence within households and communities not only violates the rights of women and girls but also affects their participation in livelihood activities, education, psychosocial wellbeing and community development. Addressing GBV requires a collective approach involving local leaders, cultural institutions, law enforcement agencies, humanitarian partners and community members to challenge harmful social norms and strengthen protection mechanisms for survivors” Ruth said.

The Female District Councilor representing Uriama Sub-county, Agasiru Emily, acknowledged that “gender-based violence remains a pressing challenge affecting both refugees and host communities in Terego District. I also commended Integrated Child Services and its development partners for investing resources in community awareness, survivor support and women empowerment programs. Such interventions are critical in reducing violence and restoring dignity among vulnerable populations”.

Agasiru further appealed to families and community leaders to report cases promptly and support survivors instead of shielding perpetrators, noting that silence continues to fuel the vice.

Meanwhile, Dudu Celina, a refugee living in Rhino Camp Settlement, urged other humanitarian organizations, civil society actors and government agencies to strengthen collaboration in combating GBV.

“While awareness campaigns have improved knowledge about survivors’ rights, many women still fear reporting abuse due to stigma, economic dependence and fear of retaliation. I appeal for expanded psychosocial services, legal support and livelihood opportunities that can economically empower women and reduce their dependence on abusive relationships” she said.

Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement remains one of Uganda’s largest refugee-hosting communities, accommodating thousands of refugees alongside host communities that continue to grapple with social and economic pressures. Humanitarian organizations say sustained investment in prevention, community sensitization and survivor-centered services is essential to ending gender-based violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022, about 56 percent of ever-married women aged 15–49 have experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence from a spouse, while nearly one in every five women (19 percent) has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

In humanitarian settings, the United Nations estimates that one in three women globally experiences gender-based violence during her lifetime, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention and response mechanisms. Stakeholders say reducing GBV cases in refugee settlements will be critical to improving the resilience, safety and socioeconomic well being of women and girls in Uganda.