Uganda Fights GBV Through Rugby: Hit Hard on the Field of Play…Never Off It!
KAMPALA, Uganda – As female participation in rugby continues to rise at a rapid rate across Uganda, the game has become an even more powerful tool in preventing violence against women and girls, as well as promoting gender equality in the East African nation.
Uganda has therefore embarked on an ambitious programme aimed at tackling the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV). The initiative is partnered by the Swans Sports Club, Uganda Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity, Uganda Rugby Union, amongst others.
Regina Lunyolo, the project leader and founder of Swans Sports Club, has expressed her enthusiasm towards this endeavor.
“It was motivated by the recognition that sport reaches young people early and consistently, making it a powerful tool for behaviour change,” Lunyolo tells Rugby Africa Media.
“We empower boys by using rugby as a platform to teach respect, accountability, emotional control, and positive masculinity. Through structured life-skills sessions integrated into training, boys learn about consent, gender equality, and standing up against violence. Coaches act as mentors, helping boys become allies in preventing GBV in schools and communities. Our target areas include schools, community rugby clubs, and high-risk communities where GBV prevalence is higher.”
While females are more likely to suffer physical or sexual violence than their male counterparts, Uganda’s training programme is all-inclusive.
“We hope to empower 10 000 girls and boys to stand up against violence in the next three years,” Lunyolo says.
“While currently focused on Uganda, the model aligns with global safe-sport and GBV prevention approaches and can be adapted regionally.”
It is fitting that rugby, a contact sport famed for its adherence to standards and boundaries, should be the sporting code of choice in preventing violence and aggression.
“Rugby is highly suitable because it is values-driven,” Lunyolo, an ex-Uganda player, says.
“Core rugby values of respect, discipline, integrity, passion, solidarity and family directly align with GBV prevention. The sport naturally teaches controlled strength, respect for rules and opponents, and responsibility for team welfare, which are key in shaping positive behaviour on and off the field.”
A wide range of trainers are working with the thousands of young women and men on this programme. These include certified rugby coaches trained in safeguarding, life skills facilitators, GBV and safeguarding specialists, teachers and school safeguarding focal persons as well as community mentors and peer champions.
All trainers were put through their paces during a safeguarding and child-protection orientation.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Anti-GBV programme were invited to make a presentation at the landmark 17th General Assembly of Rugby Africa held in Kampala last Friday. The presentation was made by Mr. James Owaraga, Patron, Swans Sports Club.
Written by Enock Muchinjo
