news 4 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Coalition Cries Foul: SGBV Justice Pipeline Crippled by Underfunding, Petitions Parliament
A coalition of civil society organizations has urgently petitioned Parliament, highlighting critical resourcing gaps that are hindering survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) from accessing justice. The petition calls for increased funding and better operational capacity for law enforcement agencies involved in SGBV case management. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/sgbv-justice-pipeline-under-siege-coalition-petitions-parliament-over-resourcing-gaps-5582984
A coalition of organizations advocating for the rights of survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has formally appealed to the Ugandan Parliament to address severe underfunding within the justice system. The petition, presented by the Wakiso SRHR and SGBV Coalition, details a “justice pipeline under siege” due to a lack of essential resources for law enforcement and support services.
Key demands include enhanced budgetary allocations and operational facilitation for the Uganda Police Force, specifically targeting SGBV investigations. Petitioners highlighted the urgent need for basic tools such as fuel for vehicles for crime scene visits, expanded forensic and police surgeon capacity, more detective staffing, and safe, private spaces at police stations for survivors to give statements.
Data presented by the coalition reveals alarming statistics. Nationally, detectives face a caseload ratio of one officer to 54 cases, significantly exceeding the recommended 1:12 standard, with over 123,000 cases backlogged. Conviction rates for domestic violence, defilement, and rape are starkly low, standing at 5.2%, 1.8%, and 0.8% respectively.
In Wakiso District, while SGBV reporting rates are slightly above the national average, the majority of cases falter during the investigation phase. The coalition also pointed to the absence of a government-run shelter for survivors in Wakiso and noted that local data is not yet integrated into national SGBV databases, impacting funding justifications.
Responding to the concerns, Senior Superintendent of Police Donald Muhwezi acknowledged funding and staffing limitations, emphasizing the need for prevention strategies. Ministry of Gender officials stressed the importance of strengthening systems and legal frameworks. Legislators present pledged to champion the coalition’s budget requests, promising to be their voice in Parliament and urging civil society to present detailed, evidence-based budget proposals.
The dialogue concluded with commitments from various government bodies, including pledges to enforce zero-fee reporting policies, expand One-Stop Centres, assist Wakiso in establishing a shelter, and push for increased police budgetary allocations.
This report is based on information from the Daily Monitor.