19th March 2026
Uganda has a relatively strong legal foundation for addressing GBV, FGM, trafficking, and sexual violence. However, gaps remain in the criminalisation of marital rape, the enactment and enforcement of child-marriage laws, and the resourcing of essential services. Strengthening implementation, legal reforms, and survivor-centred support is crucial to reducing violence against women and girls.
Key recommendations:
- Criminalise marital rape to provide full protection against sexual violence within marriage.
- Strengthen enforcement of existing child-marriage provisions, including through community-led prevention and accountability mechanisms.
- Increase resource allocation and enhance the capacity of police, healthcare providers, and legal aid institutions to ensure timely, survivor-centred responses.
- Accelerate the enactment of pending laws, such as the Marriage Bill (2024) and Sexual Offences Bill (2019), for increased protection of women and girls from violence.
- Expand geographical coverage of GBV shelters and psychosocial services, especially in underserved rural areas.
- Enhance community awareness and prevention efforts to address stigma, encourage reporting, and improve understanding of rights and available services.