Rising from Trauma: Agnes’ Story of Resilience in Kyaka II

Mukondo village in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Kyegegwa District, is a quiet cluster of homes where children play between small shops and women carry bundles of firewood on their heads. Amid the daily bustle/hustle, Agnes Furaha stands out,  not because of wealth or influence, but because of the story she carries and the hope she has rebuilt for herself and her family.

A Life Shadowed by Violence

Agnes’ early adult life was marked by hardship. Her first marriage in Congo ended in abuse, and after fleeing to Uganda, her second marriage to a Rwandese man brought more suffering. She endured sexual and emotional violence, leaving her mentally exhausted. “I thought about ending my life,” she says quietly. “The pain was too much.”

Unfortunately, Agnes’ story is not unique. In Kyegegwa District, many families in refugee settlements struggle with GBV compounded by poverty and displacement. As DCDO Kasaijja Kalya explains, “GBV remains a pressing issue in our communities. Trainings and interventions are critical to ensure survivors can access support and families can rebuild.”

Healing Through SASA!

Agnes’ turning point came when she participated in SASA! training under the LEAP Project, implemented by UGANET in partnership with Refugee Law Project and funded by UN Women. The approach, which focuses on understanding power and shifting social norms, allowed Agnes to reclaim her voice and begin rebuilding her life.

Through the sessions, she learned strategies for addressing conflict, asserting her rights, and communicating with her husband. Over time, he began changing too, ceasing violent behavior and welcoming all their children from previous marriages into one household.

Empowerment Through Enterprise

With her mental health stabilized, Agnes ventured into entrepreneurship, starting a small bar business in Mukondo village. The income supports her children’s needs and restores her sense of agency. “I used to wake up with only tears,” she reflects. “Now I wake up with hope, knowing I can provide for my family.”

The impact of SASA! extends beyond individual households. In Kyaka II, Community Activists (CAs) and Community Leaders (CLs), trained under LEAP, have reached over 5,000 community members, educating them about GBV, peaceful conflict resolution, and shared decision-making. Men are increasingly participating in reporting cases, demonstrating a shift in norms.

Voices from UGANET

Rhonah Babweteera, Head, Gender Equality and VAWG Prevention at UGANET, underscores the importance of these holistic interventions: “Through the LEAP Project, we are not just providing legal aid, we are dismantling barriers that silence survivors and limit access to justice. This approach ensures women like Agnes can heal, assert their rights, and thrive.”

Looking Ahead

Agnes’ journey from trauma to resilience reflects the broader goals of LEAP and SASA! Together changing norms, empowering survivors, and fostering peaceful family relationships. Her story shows that with support, guidance, and opportunity, even the most vulnerable can reclaim control over their lives.

As Kyaka II continues to host thousands of refugees, Agnes’ story is a beacon of hope, proof that recovery, empowerment, and family harmony are possible, even after repeated adversity.