Gender-based violence (GBV) is not merely a social scourge in Uganda; it is a crippling economic burden that threatens the nation's development.
Uganda loses an estimated Shs31 trillion annually due to the socio-economic impact of violence against women and girls, amounting to 15% of the nation’s GDP, approximately $49.27 billion.
This figure, derived from analyses of lost productivity, healthcare expenditures, and other economic losses, highlights the severe financial consequences of unchecked GBV.
A 2017 UNFPA report estimated the cost of GBV in Uganda at Shs77 billion (about $20 million), roughly 0.25% of the national budget. Direct costs include medical treatment for injuries, emergency contraception, STI treatment, and mental health support, as well as lost workdays for women due to violence.
The economic burden extends beyond medical expenses. Ministry of Education and Sports (2021) data shows that the government spends Shs162,000 annually per primary school student, while treating injuries from violence against women and girls (VAWG) costs Shs3,714,313.50 per case.
This amount could cover the basic education of 22 children, underscoring the resource misallocation caused by GBV.
The healthcare impact is severe. GBV results in immediate and long-term physical and mental health issues, requiring extensive medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation services, straining the healthcare system.
Treating injuries, infections, and mental health conditions like PTSD, alongside reduced productivity among healthcare workers, further escalates costs.
Victims often suffer physical and psychological trauma leading to absenteeism, diminished work performance, or permanent disability, reducing workforce productivity and national economic output.
The legal and criminal justice systems also face financial strain, requiring substantial resources for prosecutions, investigations, and social support for survivors.
Education is similarly affected, as GBV-driven school dropouts diminish human capital, limiting future economic opportunities and national growth.
These combined factors—increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, legal expenses, reduced educational attainment, and employment losses, particularly affecting women—worsen poverty and inequality, stifling investment and economic progress.
These figures emphasize that addressing GBV is not just a social issue but an economic necessity.
To achieve its development goals, Uganda must strengthen efforts to prevent GBV, support survivors, and dismantle the systemic inequalities fueling this crisis.