Religious Leader Drives Change Against GBV in Kogbo, Yumbe District

YUMBE, Uganda — Mwalimu Ajiga Swadik, a religious leader in Kogbo village, Ombachi Parish, is transforming community attitudes toward gender equality and girls’ education through the SASA! approach, a UGANET-led initiative addressing violence against women and girls.

For years, Ajiga preached faith and morality to both the refugee and host communities, but he had not fully considered how entrenched cultural norms contributed to gender-based violence and unequal family responsibilities. That changed when UGANET introduced SASA! in his village.

“When I first attended the SASA! sessions, it was a time of reflection. I realized that some of my teachings and assumptions were not protecting the women and girls in my community,” Ajiga said. “It changed how I view families, and my role as a leader.”

The SASA! methodology focuses on how power is used within families and communities, encouraging reflection and dialogue to prevent abuse. For Ajiga, the sessions provided a framework to promote shared responsibility at home and respect for both sons and daughters.

Since attending the training, Ajiga has incorporated these lessons into his sermons. “I now speak about husbands helping their wives at home, fathers supporting their children, and the importance of keeping both sons and daughters in school,” he explained. His guidance has influenced both refugee and host families in Kogbo and neighboring areas.

The impact was particularly evident when Ajiga’s own daughter became pregnant while in Senior Two. While many in the community argued she should leave school, Ajiga insisted she continue her education. “I told my family and the community that she has the right to learn. Pregnancy is not the end of her story,” he said.

His decision set a precedent. Families who once withdrew their girls from school are now reconsidering, demonstrating the power of leadership in shifting harmful norms. Beyond education, his teachings have prompted men to participate more actively in household duties, reducing domestic strain on women.

The changes have contributed to a noticeable decline in gender-based violence cases within Kogbo and the wider Lori Subcounty. According to Rhonah Babweteera, Head of UGANET’s VAWG Department, “When influential community members, including religious leaders, embrace the principles of SASA!, the impact multiplies. They model change for others, making equality and respect the norm rather than the exception.”

Ajiga believes his work has strengthened both faith and family. “I now preach about justice, partnership, and respect. Families are happier, children are staying in school, and the community is safer. This is faith in action,” he said.

UGANET and its partners emphasize that community leaders like Ajiga are crucial for sustaining behavioral change. By integrating SASA! into existing social and religious structures, the initiative ensures that the message of equality reaches beyond training sessions into homes and everyday life.

As Kogbo continues to benefit from these interventions, Ajiga Swadik’s example demonstrates how faith, reflection, and leadership can intersect to protect women and girls, encourage shared responsibility, and foster safer communities.