Gulu City – A cohort of police officers and stakeholders working in refugee settlements across the North West Nile region have successfully completed a five-day capacity-building program on gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against children (VAC).
The training, organized by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), focused on equipping officers with skills to handle sensitive cases professionally and protect vulnerable populations.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Otong Ignatius, representing the Director of Community Policing, AIGP Bamunoba Ubaldo, hailed the program as “an impactful and much-needed initiative” that will create a “positive multiplier effect among officers, stakeholders, and host communities.”
He noted that officers are often first responders in sensitive cases and emphasized the importance of proper skills in delivering justice.
Acting Commissioner of Police for the Child and Family Protection Unit, Maurine Atuhaire, stressed the relevance of the training for officers deployed in refugee-hosting districts.
“GBV and violence against children remain pressing issues,” she said, urging participants to remain vigilant, compassionate, and apply child-friendly approaches when managing cases.
Jennifer Achaloi, the IDLO program coordinator, commended the police leadership for embracing a collaborative approach and reiterated the organization’s commitment to rolling out similar trainings across other refugee-hosting regions.
She highlighted that the initiative strengthens Uganda’s justice systems and safeguards vulnerable populations.
Regional Police Commander for North West Nile, SSP Joseph Mwesige Joseph, reminded officers to put the acquired knowledge into practice, emphasizing the importance of proper coordination among all stakeholders, including local authorities and the Prime Minister’s Office, to prevent procedural errors and ensure effective case management.
The training brought together police officers, probation officers, and community stakeholders, reinforcing ongoing efforts to strengthen protection mechanisms for women and children in refugee settlements.
Participants were equipped with practical tools and guidelines to improve case handling, enhance victim support, and foster accountability across the justice chain.