Western Uganda Bantwana Program

In Uganda, more than one-third of girls experience sexual violence as children and more than two-thirds of boys experience physical violence. (Violence Against Children National Survey 2015).

Since 2008, the Western Uganda Bantwana Program (WUBP) has helped more than 5,000 children (and their families) and 40 schools to build resilience and reduce violence in school, at home, and in communities.

Aligned with the WHO 2016 INSPIRE framework, WUBP takes an integrated approach to delivering a layered package of evidence-based interventions:

1. School-based clubs build the awareness and agency of children to act on their rights and responsibilities.
2. Sexual abuse prevention and response training enables teachers and government staff to explore norms and attitudes that contribute to violence and learn strategies to identify and respond to child abuse.
3. Parenting skills and savings group supports help establish positive family dynamics and improve household economic resilience.
4. Vulnerable children receive comprehensive case management support, provided by trained Case Care Workers who are the linchpin of an integrated referral system linked to Uganda’s child protection structures.

WEI/Bantwana’s holistic approach places children at the center of violence prevention and response by building their agency. We engage key influencers (children, teachers, parents/caregivers, community members, local government) at every level through targeted norms-change approaches that strengthen the ring of protection around children and mobilize communities to shift attitudes and take action around violence against children.