KIBUUBE, Uganda (BG) – In Uganda’s Kyangwali refugee settlement, nestled in the Kikuube district, 24-year-old Grace is reclaiming her life after years of unimaginable hardship.

Her story of survival and renewal highlights the profound impact of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services provided by the Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation (TPO).

Funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), these services are a lifeline for countless refugees navigating the trauma of conflict and displacement.

Grace’s life was irrevocably altered at 17 when her parents were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Fleeing the conflict, she found refuge in Kyangwali, but the horrors of war followed her. She endured Gender-Based Violence (GBV), leading to her first pregnancy.

The years that followed were filled with isolation, despair, and overwhelming mental health challenges.

GBV is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue.

When people flee their homes, they are often at greater risk of physical, sexual and psychological violence, such as rape, sexual abuse, trafficking and forced prostitution.

“I wanted to go to school,” Grace said. “Among the many supports available in the settlement, I managed to enroll. But soon after, I got pregnant for a second time and had to give up on my education,” she shared, her voice heavy with emotion.

The weight of her struggles drove her to lock herself away from the world, culminating in an attempt to take her own life.

A concerned neighbor, recognizing her distress, connected her with TPO’s services. There, she met Sharon, a mental health worker whose guidance marked a turning point in Grace’s journey.

“At first, I couldn’t talk to anyone,” Grace admitted. “But now I can share my experience and empower other women and girls to seek the same mental health services.”

Through TPO’s program, Grace completed ten sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and financial literacy training and received cash assistance to start a small business.

The support enabled her to provide sustainably for her two young children and even return to her education, a dream she thought was out of reach.

A Holistic Approach to Recovery

Grace is just one of many women benefiting from MHPSS initiatives in Uganda. These programs address the profound mental health challenges faced by refugees, particularly women and children, who are often the most vulnerable.

For survivors of GBV like Grace, the services go beyond therapy, promoting leadership, community participation, and social cohesion while protecting against further harm.

In refugee settlements, mental health challenges often range from emotional distress to severe conditions like PTSD and depression.

The CERF-funded project recognizes these issues’ complexity, offering immediate relief and tools for long-term empowerment.

A Brighter Future

Today, Grace is a beacon of hope in her community, a testament to the power of resilience and support.

Her transformation has inspired her to encourage others to seek help and break free from the shadows of trauma.

“I am grateful for the support I’ve received,” she said. “Now, I can look forward to a brighter future for myself and my children.”

Uganda continues to host one of the world’s largest refugee populations, underscoring the need for robust mental health interventions.

Programs like TPO’s MHPSS initiative are critical in addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for recovery and rebuilding lives.

This story was initially published by UN Women – Africa and rewritten by Felix Tih for the Bantu Gazette.