GBV cases surge in Nebbi as teenagers, young mothers bear brunt

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Nebbi District registered 2,107 gender-based violence cases from July 2025 to June 2026, based on police and health records. The reported cases included 1,236 involving physical or emotional abuse and 871 involving sexual violence, with teenagers and young mothers identified as the most affected groups.

Local officials cited poverty, stigma, early marriage and weakened family support as major factors behind the problem. AIP Baifa Wanican of the Child and Family Protection Unit at Nebbi Central Police Station told Nile Post that economic hardship leaves girls vulnerable, including to early marriage or exploitation by older men offering financial support. Health official Sister Joyce Opiem Cengmoko said fear of stigma and rejection from home prevents many survivors from reporting abuse.

The report also points to social changes in the district. Nebbi Assistant Resident District Commissioner Donald Owachgiu said traditional Alur family support roles, including those played by aunts and uncles, have weakened, leaving some teenagers less prepared for relationships and family responsibilities. Local advocate Shepherd Oyirwoth argued that young mothers need targeted skills training, livelihood support and access to government programmes such as PDM, UWEP and YLP to help them leave abusive situations.

Nile Post further cites a PROTECT SRHR report showing the highest burden among teenagers aged 15 to 19, with 756 sexual and emotional violence cases, followed by those aged 20 to 24 with 393. Akworo Sub-county recorded the largest number of cases at 482, ahead of Nyaravur-Angal Town Council and Nebbi Municipality’s Central Division. The figures underline continuing concerns about protection, reporting barriers and economic vulnerability in the district.