From Victim to Advocate: Jane Rose Kabugho’s Journey to Ending Domestic Violence

Jane Rose Kabugho, a 43-year-old Catechist at Uganda Martyrs Kakone Parish in Kasese Diocese, western Uganda, endured years of physical and emotional abuse in her marriage. For this mother of four, the constant violence was devastating, but it ultimately became the catalyst for change.

“I suffered physical and emotional violence at the hands of my former husband,” Jane recounts. Despite her role as a spiritual leader in her community, she faced the harsh realities of domestic violence—a struggle that forced her to make a bold decision: leave her abusive marriage and forge a new path in 2021.

Jane shares how life became incredibly challenging as she struggled to support both herself and her children. She recalls how a Good Samaritan came to her aid with some money, which she used to start a fish vending business to rebuild her life.

“I slowly began to regain some financial independence by selling fish in my community, which I sourced from Lake George in the district. This allowed me to pay rent and provide for my children’s needs,” she explains.

However, her former husband continued to torment her. He tracked her down at her workplace, threatening her with violence.

At her lowest point, a friend told her about Justice Centres Uganda (JCU), a partner of UN Women that offers free legal services to individuals experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) in the district. At JCU, Jane was informed about her rights, and her former husband was summoned to facilitate a fair resolution of their disputes.

“He was summoned and sensitized on the rights of a woman. I’m glad for the help JCU extended to me. My children are now cared for and all are in school currently,” says Jane.

Drawing on her own experiences, she now uses her role as a Catechist to educate her congregation on the dangers of domestic violence and its impact on families.

“Having suffered domestic violence as a Catechist, I now use the pulpit to sensitize the congregation. I talk about the harm it causes, especially to the family unit. People often come to me with testimonies, and there are those I am able to counsel from time to time,” Jane shares.

Jane’s transformation from survivor to advocate was bolstered by the support she received from the Joint Programme on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence (UNJPGBV). This five-year initiative, funded by the Government of Sweden, is a collaboration among the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, and Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.

The programme, which integrates sexual and reproductive health and rights, operates in 14 districts across Uganda. It combines community-based initiatives, institutional capacity building, and policy advocacy to combat GBV at every level.

Through this programme, Jane not only gained the tools to heal but also became an agent of change in her community. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that survivors of GBV can become advocates for a brighter, violence-free future.

“I believe in the power of awareness and counselling,” Jane says. “If my story can save even one family, then I will continue to speak out.”

Today, Jane’s voice resonates far beyond the walls of her parish, inspiring others to break the silence and work towards a world free of domestic violence.