Life can change in an instant, especially for families caught in the grip of conflict and displacement. For Joyce Atwani, 48, a mother of five, the journey from South Sudan to Uganda was a fight for survival. Forced to flee her homeland due to political turmoil, she and her husband sought refuge at Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, hoping for a fresh start. However, instead of finding relief, their struggles deepened, leading to domestic violence, child neglect, and an uncertain future.
When Joyce and her husband settled in Cluster G of the refugee settlement, they faced immense financial hardships. Unable to secure stable work, her husband became increasingly frustrated and aggressive, often taking out his anger on Joyce and their children. What began as occasional disputes escalated into severe domestic violence, further compounded by hunger and poverty. With no resources to provide for their children, they were forced to drop out of school.
Fearful of retaliation, Joyce remained silent about the abuse. A close friend, Jane Karanja, a URCS volunteer and a survivor of gender-based violence, noticed Joyce’s distress. Encouraging her to seek help, Jane took her to the Uganda Red Cross Society’s Protection Officer, marking the first step toward a new beginning.
In October 2024, URCS intervened with critical protection and counseling support. Joyce received psychosocial counseling, learning about her rights and available options for safety. After over 10 counseling sessions, she gained the confidence to take control of her situation.
Recognizing that financial hardship was a key driver of violence, the Protection officer referred Joyce to an ongoing URCS Multi- Purpose Cash Assistance program where she was enrolled unto a one off cash assistance upon verification. Joyce received UGX 343,000 which enable her: Provide food for her children, pay school fees to get them back in class, rent four acres of land for farming, creating a sustainable income. With this newfound stability, Joyce and her children no longer live in fear. Their farming project now provides food and a steady source of income.
“Before URCS stepped in, my children and I lived in fear and hunger. Now, we have food, the children are back in school, and there is peace in our home,” Joyce shares.
Her husband was also engaged in counseling sessions, leading to a gradual reduction in violence within the household.Though still battling alcoholism, he has shown remarkable improvement. He now contributes to the household, ensuring the children are cared for. The once-hostile home is now a place of hope and stability.
“What used to be a daily cycle of quarrels and violence has significantly reduced. My husband now returns home less intoxicated and helps provide food. We no longer have to sleep outside, as we did before. This positive change is because of the support we received from URCS,” Joyce says with gratitude.
The impact of URCS’s intervention has long term impact beyond immediate relief. Joyce plans to expand into livestock rearing, reducing food insecurity whilst ensuring a secure future for her family.
“Unconditional Multi -Purpose Cash Assistance can be a lifeline for vulnerable families facing hardship. Partner referrals are one among many channels used when making beneficiary selection of most vulnerable at-risk households as was the case for Joyce. Through our carefully tailored cash programs at URCS, we aim to empower families such as Joyce with the means to rebuild their lives, regain stability, and make choices that best suit their needs. Joyce’s story is a testament to the role Cash Support plays in restoring hope and dignity.” Vanessa Lubowa, CVA lead at the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Through complimentary efforts and coordination with agencies such as UNHCR and OPM , URCS was able to facilitate Joyce and an additional 1,441 beneficiaries take charge of their recovery with a one off MPCT intervention in Kiryandongo Refugee settlement at a transfer value rate of 56,000ugx per person, aiding the restoration of hope and dignity for the most vulnerable. These efforts were made possible with funding from IFRC Disaster Relief Emergency Fund.