Building More Than a Home: Jean Marie & Tusabe’s Transformation

In Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Kyegegwa District, life for many families is a constant struggle against displacement, poverty, and social instability. The settlement, home to thousands of Congolese and Rwandese refugees, is characterized by temporary shelters, limited services, and the ever-present challenges of overcrowding. Yet amid this environment of scarcity and uncertainty, stories of resilience emerge, none more compelling than that of Jean Marie Bisengimana and Tusabe Emado.

A Marriage on the Brink

Jean Marie and Tusabe’s life together was far from easy. Without a permanent home, they slept in a tent, navigating the daily stresses of survival while facing unending conflict in their marriage. The emotional toll was immense, and Jean Marie even contemplated abandoning the family. “I thought the only solution was to leave and find another wife,” he recalls with a sigh.

Marital violence, compounded by limited economic opportunity and the trauma of displacement, is not uncommon in settlements like Kyaka II. Senior  District Officers in Kyegegwa note that chronic stress, lack of stable housing, and absent household planning often exacerbate domestic disputes, particularly in refugee households. These conditions leave many women vulnerable to abuse and children exposed to the negative consequences of family instability.

The Turning Point: SASA! Training

Everything began to change when Jean Marie and Tusabe participated in SASA! training through the LEAP Project, implemented by UGANET in partnership with the Refugee Law Project and funded by UN Women. SASA!,Together  an evidence-based, community-focused approach, emphasizes understanding how power operates in relationships and communities, teaching families to channel it positively instead of destructively.

Through interactive sessions led by trained Community Activists (CAs) and Community Leaders (CLs), the couple learned strategies to address conflict constructively. The program focused not only on preventing physical violence but also on fostering communication, shared decision-making, and joint household planning.

Gradually, Jean Marie began to see the value in listening to his wife and including her in decisions that affected their children and home. The shift was not immediate, but persistent support from the project and community-based mentors allowed both partners to reflect, communicate, and collaborate in ways they had never experienced before.

“The training opened my eyes,” Jean Marie says. “I realized that being a husband is not about control, but about working with my wife to build a family together.”

Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities

The most tangible outcome of their transformation is the semi-permanent home they built together, a structure of stability and safety replacing the fragile tent that once marked their existence. But beyond bricks and mortar, the home symbolizes shared responsibility, mutual respect, and hope.

Rhonah Babweteera, Head, Gender and VAWG Prevention at UGANET, highlights the significance of such transformations: “Families like Jean Marie and Tusabe’s show that when men and women learn to share power and communicate effectively, violence decreases and entire households thrive. The LEAP Project’s focus on community-led interventions ensures these lessons reach deep into households, creating ripple effects across the settlement.”

The project has reached over 5,000 community members, training CAs and CLs who, in turn, facilitate dialogues, mediate conflicts, and educate neighbors on peaceful conflict resolution. Men, who historically remained silent on GBV issues, are now stepping forward to report cases and participate in family planning and budgeting discussions, a profound cultural shift in the settlement.

Voices from the District

The local leaders in Kyegegwa District unanimously praised the initiative’s impact on family stability: “SASA! and LEAP provide practical tools to households, particularly in refugee settlements. By addressing the root causes of domestic violence and fostering economic and social cooperation, we see families transitioning from instability to resilience.”

Senior Community District Officers note that such interventions are critical in areas like Kyaka II, where displaced populations face chronic poverty, limited land ownership, and high stress levels. Joint household planning and budgeting, as Jean Marie and Tusabe practice now, are key strategies in reducing tension, promoting equality, and preventing future violence.

A Family Transformed

Jean Marie and Tusabe’s story extends beyond personal redemption. Their children now live in a secure home, witnessing a partnership built on respect and collaboration rather than fear and conflict. The home itself, built through their combined effort, stands as a daily reminder of what can be achieved when families are empowered and supported.

“This home is proof that when peace enters a family, progress follows,” Tusabe says, her voice filled with pride.

Building Hope in Kyaka II

The LEAP Project demonstrates that GBV prevention is not just about stopping violence, it’s about building the foundations for healthy families and resilient communities. By training leaders, empowering survivors, and including men in the process, the project fosters systemic change.

For Kyaka II Settlement, Jean Marie and Tusabe’s story is a beacon: it shows that even amid displacement and scarcity, resilience, dialogue, and shared responsibility can turn fragile tents into homes filled with stability, dignity, and hope.