An Analysis of Gaps in Sexual and Gender-based Violence Interventions in Refugee Communities: The Case of Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda

Purpose Globally there is increasing public awareness and denunciation of the horrors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in armed conflict leading to significant progress in crafting interventions for SGBV prevention and response in emergency situations. There remains a general lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of these efforts. Thus, this study analyzes the gaps in SGBV interventions in one of the refugee communities in Uganda. Methods Using qualitative research, this paper analyses the gaps in the SGBV response interventions in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observation and documentary reviews to gather information. The sample was drawn purposively from the Rwandans, Burundians, Congolese, and Somalis who have been in the settlement for five or more years, providing a perfect environment for analyzing SGBV interventions among the protracted refugees. The study participants were 110 which included both males and females. Results Findings indicate that while the SGBV redress framework in Nakivale Refugee Settlement is multi-sectoral with prevention and response interventions by key sectors including health, legal, psycho-social counseling, safety and security, and economic empowerment, there are also big gaps in the referral pathway due to lack of a streamlined reporting system. Conclusions The efficacy of SGBV prevention interventions is affected by the limited scope and duration of the activities of most humanitarian actors in the settlement.