Local Gov’t Leaders call for enhanced community coordination & planning to fight GBV.

Research findings reveal that 56% married men reported experiencing Gender Based Vi9lence affecting all in he community which according to local government needs urgent attention by a coordinated effort by government and local communities through increased funding and inclusive planning. 

While disseminating a report on the Budget Expenditure Analysis for Gender Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Harmful Practices (HPS) in Uganda FY2023/24 – FY 2025/26 in an event orga ised by CSBAG, the District Community Development Officer of Terego district Mr Richard Obia sai that urged mu istry if Finance )lann8ng and Economic Development to specifically allocate funding for Gender Based Violence as asta d alone focus in coordination the local government and communities to cha the mindset of household on the vice.

“Government has set up infrastructure in form of structures, there is a need to target changing the mindset of the community against GBV. Districts are given little money to address the issues of Gender Based Violence, however development partners assist in contributing to address the issues which are prominent in West Nile. Ministry of Finance needs to support and increase funding towards ending Gender Based Violence” he said.

While making his remarks the Executive Director CSBAG Julius Mukunda appreciated all the participants for joining this meeting emphasize that stronger financing is crucial to improve and end Gender Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Harmful Practices (HPS) in Uganda.

He called upon stakeholders in the fight against GBV to use evidence-based reporting backed by citizen generated information.

The UN Women representative, Juliet Nakato Odoi while commending the work of CSBAG for convening this dissemination meeting and advancing budget accountability on issues affecting women and girls said that "Strong policies alone are not enough.” She emphasizes that progress on GBV and SRH depends on how well priorities are translated into implementation and real outcomes.

Mr. Daniel Lukwago the lead consultant who presented the study on Gender Based Violence in Uganda said that study covers FY 2023/24–2025/26, focusing on budget allocations and expenditure trends. It examines both national and local government performance, backed by data-heavy analysis.

“Government has developed policies and legal frameworks to prevent and respond to GBV. But policy on paper does not always translate into protection in real life. The analysis noted that although systems for GBV response and related services exist and are gradually improving, overall financing levels remain below expected standards” he said.