Child Sexual Abuse Prevention in Uganda: Hope, Healing & Real Impact
By Sarah Lambie, Co-Founder & President
I love my job. In fact, there’s nothing I’d rather do than prevent another child from experiencing sexual violence in Uganda. But if I’m honest, there are days when the heaviness can feel overwhelming. Today was one of those days.
When Child Sexual Abuse Hits Close to Home
During a call with our Mukono team this morning, I learned about a case that left me feeling angry and frustrated.
14-year-old Rose* had been raped and impregnated by a neighbor. While her perpetrator was convicted, my heart broke for this girl whose childhood had been cut way too short.
The heaviness of her story—and so many others like it—weighed on my heart all morning.
Sexual violence against children in Uganda is a crisis. More than one-third of all girls experience abuse, along with one in six boys. For years, resources for child survivors were limited, costly, and often out of reach for the families who needed them most.
An Unexpected Reminder of Hope
Then, a text notification from our program manager lit up my phone. I opened it to find dozens of photos of artwork created by the children at our shelters.
Little handwritten messages of hope were taped all over the walls. Many included Genesis 50:20-21, our guiding verse: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
These sweet little love letters are poignant reminders of the progress being made—not just in court convictions, but in the hearts of children who are learning they are safe and loved.
How Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Is Changing Lives in Uganda
Less than five years ago, children like Rose had almost nowhere to turn.
But today, thanks to supporters who refuse to look away, fear is being transformed into safety, pain into healing, and despair into hope.
Together, we’re shining light into the darkest of places. And when we do, everything changes.
Our Impact So Far
With your support, Rescue One More has been able to:
- Help over 830 child survivors access safety, justice, and healing
- Provide over 275 children with safe shelter
- Arrest 550 perpetrators of child sexual violence
- Secure convictions for 20 child predators
- Reach over 79,000 people with child protection education and prevention messages
Preventing Child Sexual Violence Through Education and Action
Our approach to ending child sexual violence in Uganda is comprehensive:
1. Prevention Education: We educate hundreds of children, parents, and teachers every week on how to recognize warning signs, prevent abuse, and report incidents safely.
2. Safe Shelter: Children who’ve experienced trauma receive counseling, medical care, and a loving environment where they can heal.
3. Justice: Our community action team works tirelessly to build strong cases, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
4. Economic Empowerment: We provide survivors with opportunities for education and skills training, giving them hope for a brighter future.
You Are Making a Difference
As we enter this season of gratitude, I can’t help but thank God for our remarkable family of supporters.
Children like Rose can rebuild their lives — not just survive, but thrive — because people like you refuse to let darkness have the final word.
Your support brings light to the darkest situations, transforming lives and protecting vulnerable children across Uganda.
Thank you for being a light in the darkness.
Ready to make a difference? Learn how you can support child survivors in Uganda →
Download free child protection resources to help keep children safe in your community →
*Name changed to protect privacy
About the Author: Sarah Lambie is Co-Founder and President of Rescue One More, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending sexual violence against children in Uganda by providing a pathway to safety, justice, and healing.