Protection in Uganda

We prevent and respond to gender‑based violence and child protection risks through community‑led approaches, survivor‑centered case management, access to justice, legal assistance, and strengthening community‑based protection networks. GPF has over 7 years in offering protection services with a set of dedicated staff with required expertise in the field of Child protection (CP), Gender Based Violence (GBV), Community Based Protection (CBP), Mental Health and Psychosocial support services (MHPSS). GPF specializes in community-based protection with technical expertise in GBV, Child Protection, and MHPSS, supporting the most vulnerable within refugee settlements and host communities. Areas of Expertise: Child Protection (CP): Case management, alternative care arrangements, and life skills programming for separated and unaccompanied children. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response: Survivor-centered support including safe spaces, referral pathways, and awareness campaigns. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): Community-based models offering group counselling, trauma healing, and psychosocial first aid. Community-Based Protection (CBP): Mobilizing refugee leadership, host community leadership, community watch groups, and participatory protection planning. Results: Delivered protection services in the refugee settlements reaching 10,000+ individuals. Over 300 GBV survivors supported with case management and referral to specialized services.

How we work?

Child Protection target unaccompanied or separated children, adolescents, children at risk and participate in community-based support, community-based child protection committees, adult community members, service providers and government staff who benefit from training and awareness raising activities on child protection, and case workers. GPF strengthen Community based protection networks (CBPNs) to mobilize communities on child protection needs and disseminate basic child friendly messages. Under child protection GPF identify, monitor, support and refer cases of vulnerable and at-risk children for appropriate support services. GPF identify UAMs and other vulnerable children with agencies engaged in family tracking, and conduct assessments to identify the most vulnerable children and appropriate foster families.

Legal assistance including 1. Legal Counselling 2. Facilitating Court Representation 3. Supporting Witness 4. Non-Cash Assistance to detainees etc. GPF’s works to improve Person of concern’s access to justice and legal services include working closely with stakeholders (police, lawyers and District Probation and Social Welfare Officers).

Reception centers service in the nearby settlement including preparation of hot meals, maintenance of shelter structures, sanitation facilities, information sessions, and assistance to legal documents. 

Response to emergency influx of new arrivals with provision of live-saving case management and provision of non-food items and core reliefs. Supporting case management through case identification, documentation, referrals and support to relocation to settlement.

Our Approach 

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✔ Community-DRIVEN

We work with local leaders, VHTs, and community groups to build lasting trust and ownership.

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✔ Rights‑Based

We promote safety as a basic human right and ensure children and vulnerable people are safe, and inclusive. 

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✔ Partnership-Focused

We collaborate with government health departments, NGOs, and global partners to strengthen systems and expand access.

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✔ Evidence‑Informed

Our interventions are based on research, data, and continuous learning.

Impact 

Through our work, communities experience:
• Improved access to life-saving health services
• Reduced illness and disease outbreaks
• Better maternal and child health outcomes
• Stronger safety
• Enhanced health and general wellbeing 
Access to protection and safety is a basic human right for all.

Our Commitment 

We are committed to ensuring that everyone regardless of location, gender, or status has access to safe, reliable, and dignified life. By ensuring safety, empowering communities, and promoting preventive practices, we help build resilient and healthier societies for generations to come.