Kihihi, Kanungu District – July 18, 2025
In a resounding display of unity and purpose, more than 5,000 people flooded the streets of Kihihi town to take part in the Nyaka Annual Walk Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). With a population of just over 20,000, the turnout marked a significant milestone one in every four residents marched to say “STOP SGBV!”
Held under the theme “Uniting Communities to Stop Sexual and Gender Based Violence,” the walk brought together a powerful cross-section of Ugandan society students, professionals, grandmothers, government officials, police officers, health workers, religious leaders, and international supporters all united in the call to end SGBV, with a special emphasis on defilement and rape.
The walk was led by Nyaka, a nonprofit organization renowned for its survivor-centered interventions, and sponsored by Nyaka Microfinance. Corporate partners like Stanbic Bank Kihihi, Nakasero Hospital, Centenary Bank, AAR Insurance, Sanlam Insurance, Musoke V Foundation, AFHIA Foundation, Nash Prints, and others lent their support to the cause.
Speaking to the crowd, Bylon, Nyaka’s SGBV Coordinator, emphasized the gravity of the crisis:
“We are focusing on the scourge of defilement and rape that is devastating our children and women. Nyaka has remained steadfast in seeking justice for survivors, and we have followed up on 530 out of over 1,100 reported cases. Today is not just a walk—it’s a moment of deep reflection and collective action.”
Joining the march were prominent figures, including teams from Stanbic Bank Kihihi and Nakasero Hospital, the Child’s i Foundation CEO and team, the District Senior Probation Officer, the Programs Director of CDC, the Officer-in-Charge of Kihihi Police, the Head of Child Protection for Kanungu Police, the Bishop of Kinkizi Diocese, the Institute for Faith and gender Empowerment CEO and team from Kenya. The ALI Harvard Alumni class of 2023 also joined in solidarity, traveling from around the world to support the event.
Kate, the District Senior Probation Officer, applauded Nyaka’s collaboration with the government:
“We are so grateful for Nyaka’s work. As a department responsible for the rights of children, we value this partnership in ensuring justice is served.”
Cathy, representing the ALI Harvard alumni, expressed deep emotion witnessing the strength of community engagement:
“From the students to the professionals to the grandmothers—we are proud to stand with you. This has been a special and humbling experience.”
Her colleague, Esmeralda, offered a passionate call to protect girl survivors and hold perpetrators accountable:
“Girls are not to be discarded. They deserve a full life. The community love we’ve seen here is powerful, and justice must follow love.”
Closing the event, Jackson Kaguri, Founder and CEO of Nyaka, gave a moving account of Nyaka’s evolution from an educational initiative for AIDS orphans to a comprehensive support system tackling healthcare, education, justice, and family support.
“We realized children need more than books. They need protection, they need healing, and they need justice. Today, our walk amplifies their voices. And the louder we are, the more survivors step forward. Let us walk together to stop SGBV in our communities.”
As the crowd dispersed, the message was unmistakably clear: the people of Kihihi and supporters around the globe are united in declaring that the silence around sexual and gender-based violence is over.
The walk was not just a moment; it was a movement!
Learn more about Nyaka’s efforts to prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence by visiting our program page.
