MUCOBADI is on the frontlines of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against children (VAC), working hand-in-hand with District Action Centers (DACs) in 10 districts across Uganda. These centers play a key role in helping survivors, resolving disputes, and creating safer communities. Between January and November 2024, MUCOBADI has supported the DACs to handle thousands of cases, making a real impact in the lives of many.

What the Numbers Tell Us

This year, DACs backed by MUCOBADI have registered a whopping 1,709 cases involving civil and criminal issues. Here’s a breakdown of the types of cases:

• Neglect: 704 cases (41%)
• Sexual violence against children (SVAC): 476 cases (28%)
• Physical violence: 187 cases (11%)
• Emotional abuse: 134 cases (8%)
• Other cases (e.g., land grabbing, denial of rights): 207 cases (12%)

Of these:

• 71% (1,205 cases) were resolved, thanks to mediation, litigation, and other solutions.
• 22% (477 cases), mostly civil matters, are still in the process of litigation.
• 6% (117 cases) were referred to other partners for services like education, health, and livelihood support.
• 15 criminal cases (1.3%) of defilement were sent to higher courts for further action.

These numbers reflect the scope of the problem but also the significant progress MUCOBADI and the DACs are making.

How MUCOBADI Is Supporting DACs

MUCOBADI’s work with the DACs is all about equipping them with what they need to help survivors and prevent violence. Here’s how we do it:

1. Keeping Track of Cases

DACs document and track every case, making sure nothing gets lost in the system. This ensures survivors get the help they need without unnecessary delays.

2. Mediating Disputes

Not every case has to go to court. MUCOBADI supports DACs to mediate disputes, helping families and communities resolve conflicts without creating more divisions. This approach has been key in resolving 71% of cases.

3. Pushing for Justice

When cases are serious, like defilement or physical violence, MUCOBADI works with the justice system to ensure offenders are held accountable. Criminal cases are referred to higher courts when needed, ensuring survivors get the justice they deserve.

4. Building Stronger Teams

Through training and mentorship, MUCOBADI gives DAC staff the skills to handle cases effectively. This includes spotting abuse, following the right procedures, and connecting survivors to support services.

5. Linking Survivors to Help

MUCOBADI knows that solving a case isn’t always enough. Survivors often need emotional, educational, or financial support to rebuild their lives. That’s why we work with partners to provide these extra services.

Why Mediation Works

Mediation has been one of the DACs’ biggest success stories. It’s a faster, less confrontational way to resolve disputes, especially for cases like family neglect or land disagreements. In 2024 alone, over 1,200 cases have been resolved this way, proving that community-driven solutions work.

What Still Needs Work

While MUCOBADI and the DACs have made big strides, there are still challenges:

• Unresolved Cases: The 22% of cases still pending litigation show the need for more resources to speed up the process.
• Referrals: Many survivors still need additional services, like counseling or financial support, which can be tough to access.
• Delays in Criminal Cases: Serious cases, like defilement, often face delays in higher courts, leaving survivors waiting for justice.

What’s Next for MUCOBADI

MUCOBADI is determined to keep improving and expanding its support to DACs. Moving forward, we plan to:

• Push for more resources to tackle unresolved cases.
• Strengthen partnerships with other organizations to offer survivors better support.
• Extend our work to more districts, reaching even more people in need.