IJM holds dialogue with Religious leaders on violence against women and children 

By Darlington Mabonga

The International Justice Mission [IJM] being at the forefront in advocating for the promotion of a violence free society has hosted a high level dialogue with faith leaders who discussed mechanisms for prevention and ensuring the rights and dignity of their victims are respected.

The dialogue was held 19th June 2026 at Esella Country Hotel Najeera in Kira Municipality Wakiso district attended by over 30 faith leaders drawn from the Anglican church of Uganda and the born again Pentecostal churches alongside Officers from the Kira Police division headquarters department of the child and family protection unit and the media among other stakeholders.

The meeting was called to engage in open discussion and learn about the impact of violence, get equipped to effectively respond to cases of violence against women and children in their respective communities as well as cultivating a positive culture of dialogue and promotion of faith based approaches to solve domestic violence..

Rev.Cpl. Bwambale Jackson the community liaison officer Kira division Police station also doubling as the Vicar St.Paul Church of Uganda Kagoma Maganjo parish under Namirembe diocese appreciated the opportunity extended to them by IJM especially bringing public dialogues to engage with faith based leaders on matters related to domestic violence among communities.

Bwambale said the meeting enabled them to directly work out joint strategies between the police and faith leaders on how best to engage and promote household violence free families through preaching peace.

As the police we appreciate such gestures of collaboration with global institutions such as IJM for bringing together the police and faith leaders to brainstorm on mechanisms of how best to tackle the increasing cases of violence among communities.

The officer in charge [OiC] child and family protection unit at Kira division police station ASP Uleu Stella said faith leaders play key roles in preaching against violence within their church jurisdictions and once empowered with messages of arbitration spearheaded by IJM, we strongly believe sanity can prevail at household level once parents understand the value of seeking arbitration during trouble times

She pointed out that once civil society organizations, the religious and cultural leaders working with the media come together to speak out with a one strong voice about violence against children and women, the perpetrators can learn some lessons like respecting the inherent rights of their victims

The IJM community engagement specialist Eva Leni commended the participants for turning up and being part of the stakeholders that seek to speak out against all forms of violence meted out on children and women among communities.

She observed that IJM would continue to provide the platform for positive engagement to ensure that perpetrators of such violence are brought before courts of law while the victims are effectively given the necessary psychosocial support.

.She noted as they get close to commemorating Freedom month in September the faith leaders were to use this opportunity to plan for the month.

What is Freedom Sunday?

 It is celebrated annually every September, Freedom Sunday is a global movement led by International Justice Mission (IJM) to inspire churches around the world to use their voice to stand up for justice. During this month, churches dedicate at least one service, to share conversations about God’s heart for justice.

It is an opportunity to engage and empower church members to discover the realities of violence against women and children and join the fight to end it.

Freedom Sunday is an opportunity for your entire church family to deepen their understanding of God’s heart for justice, discover the realities of modern injustice and join the fight to end it.

International Justice Mission is a global organization

They partner with local authorities to protect people in poverty from violence.

 IJM works in 31 program offices across 16 countries Focusing on combating slavery, violence against women and children, and police abuse of power against people who are in poverty.

 In Uganda, they focus on violence against women and children they rescue and restore survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and help strengthen the public justice systems.

They are a team of lawyers, social workers, community activists and other professionals working to protect people in poverty from everyday violence.

IJM is strategically Involving community leaders, as community gatekeepers (CG) to Support survivors of VAWC. These include religious leaders, Local Council Court committees, and traditional

and/or cultural authorities, equipping them to become effective first responders, with the ability to engage survivors in a trauma- Informed manner, knowledge of VAWC referral pathways, and to support their journey with the formal justice system when required.

 Religion plays a vital role in shaping cultural, social, economic and political norms in many parts of the world

 Gender roles and the status of women and men in the society are deeply tied to the way religious texts are interpreted for centuries by those in positions of authorities – which is predominantly men

Religious leaders have the power to ensure that faith is not manipulated by abusers, but rather a source of empowerment for survivors of VAWC.

Why Religious LeadersUganda is extremely religious 82% Christians, 14% Islam and 4% Others