STI Leads Call to End Private Negotiation of SGBV Cases Involving Children & Youth with Disabilities

This is was revealed during a multi- sectoral training of duty bearers (police officers, health officers, CDOs, and teachers) from Kapchorwa and Kween on management, accessibility, and SGBV survivors by Sabiny Transformation Initiative on 2 and 3rd July, 2026.

SPP Patricia Chekwech, the officer-in-charge child protection in Sipi Region said most cases collapse because complainants are sometimes compromised by offenders with whom they enter into negotiations and choose to settle matters without reporting to police.

This according to SSP Chekwech often undermine the right to justice because families and relevant authorities engage in out-of-court negotiations with the alleged perpetrators. She added that such actions deny survivors justice and allow perpetrators to escape accountability.

“Some of these cases of violence are reported to the police, but you find that the parents and clan leaders are already negotiating with perpetrators, yet a capital offence has taken place,” she said.She explained that offences such as defilement and rape are criminal matters prosecuted by the state and should not be settled through family or community agreements.

Sabiny Transformation Initiative programs coordinator Festo Majinjach, emphasized the importance of following legal procedures, particularly in cases involving children with disabilities, who often face additional barriers in accessing justice due to stigma, discrimination, and communication challenges.

He said cases involving children should be handled through the Family and Children Court, which was established under the Children Act to safeguard the best interests of the child.

However, despite these legal protections, some families and clan leaders continue to negotiate serious cases of sexual and gender-based violence outside the justice system. Such practices deny child survivors access to justice, encourage impunity, and place other children at risk.

“Negotiating such cases not only violates the law but also exposes other children to similar abuse by allowing offenders to remain in the community” he added.

On behalf of the Sapiiny Cultural Institution, the Clerk to the Council, Twetuik Benson, strongly condemned the practice of privately negotiating cases of sexual and gender-based violence involving children.

He emphasized that such actions undermine justice, deny survivors their rights, and encourage impunity. He urged parents, schools, and community members to report all cases to the relevant authorities and allow the law to take its course in the best interests of the child.

Sarah Chekwech, the Board Chairperson of Sabiny Transformation Initiative (STI), called on teachers to dedicate adequate time and attention to slow learners and children and youth with disabilities. She emphasized that every child has the potential to succeed when given the necessary support, patience, and an inclusive learning environment.

Chekwech urged teachers to adopt learner-centered approaches that accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring that no child is left behind.

The training is being conducted under the project, “From Silence to Action and from Fear to Empowerment Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Among Children and Youth with Disabilities in Kapchorwa and Kween.”

The project is implemented by Sabiny Transformation Initiative (STI) in partnership with the Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD) and Building Effective Networks (BEN), Integrated Disabled Women Activities (IDIWA) with support from Liliane Fonds.

The initiative aims to strengthen inclusive case management, improve access to justice and survivor services, and promote the protection and empowerment of children and youth with disabilities in the Kween and Kapchorwa districts.