At the official signing and launch of Phase III of the #SAFERProjectUG, @Dr_KatjaK , Head of Austrian Embassy/Development Cooperation, reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s efforts to strengthen access to justice, advance gender equality and improve protection for survivors of gender-based violence. She highlighted the many forms of GBV, including physical, psychological, emotional and economic abuse, as well as technology-facilitated violence. Harmful practices such as child marriage continue to limit girls’ access to education, independence and opportunities to realise their full potential. Across Karamoja, Acholi and Lango, the SAFER Project will build on previous achievements to address gaps in survivor-centred services, strengthen access to medical and legal support, and improve the integration of GBV response and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services within government systems. Running from September 2026 to February 2029, the 30-month initiative is supported by approximately €3.4 million and aims to reach around 830,000 people through a partnership involving the Government of Austria, the Government of Uganda, @UNFPAUganda and civil society organisations. Dr. Kerschbaumer emphasised that sustainable progress depends on government ownership, effective institutions and collaboration across the justice, health and community sectors. Embedding these interventions within national systems is essential to ensuring that progress continues beyond the project period. Through Phase III, the SAFER Project seeks to strengthen access to justice, improve survivor support and promote systems that enable women and girls to seek help and redress without stigma or unnecessary delays. Protecting women and girls is a shared responsibility. Every survivor deserves safety, dignity, access to justice and the opportunity to live free from violence.

The signing of the #SAFERProjectUG Phase III agreement marks a renewed commitment to strengthening access to justice, advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and ensuring that women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV) receive the protection and support they deserve. With €3.4 million in funding, the 30-month initiative will build on the progress made in previous phases, reaching approximately 830,000 people across Karamoja, Acholi and Lango. The project will strengthen survivor-centred services, enhance the capacity of justice and protection institutions, and challenge harmful social and cultural practices, including child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The formal signing brought together government representatives, development partners, justice and law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders, demonstrating a collective commitment to creating safer communities where survivors can access essential services and justice without fear, stigma or discrimination. As Phase III gets underway, the focus will be on turning these commitments into lasting impact through stronger collaboration across the justice, health and community sectors, while building sustainable systems that protect the rights and dignity of women and girls. Through the SAFER Project, partners are advancing a shared vision of a Uganda where every woman and girl is protected from violence, empowered to claim her rights and able to access justice with dignity.