It is almost 2 years since the COVID-19 global pandemic hit and devastated nations, communities, families and workplaces. The Ugandan Government like all governments instituted various measures to curb its spread and minimize its social and economic impact.
The lockdown during Uganda’s first wave in 2020 to a large extent managed to keep the pandemic in check. It however came at high costs for women and girls and saw Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) escalate in most parts of the country as reflected in the police crime report of 2021. Since May 2021, Uganda is experiencing its
second wave of the pandemic which has exacerbated its effects2 as seen in the increased infections and
deaths, with up to 1,584 new infections and 53 deaths recorded in one day, amidst scarcity of vaccines
and health services. Once again, the government has put in place several measures to control its
spread, including a nation-wide lockdown and movement restrictions, and a COVID relief fund for
vulnerable households.
The Domestic Violence Act (DVA) Coalition issues a statement calling for a gender-sensitive COVID 19 Response 
The Second wave and the lock down are already painting a gloomy picture for VAWG4. In Fort Portal District alone, 61 cases of domestic violence were reported in June 2021. While the measures being put in place are well intended and, in some places, inevitable, very little if any of the lessons learnt from last year have been incorporated in the measures. Read More