Navigating Violence, Gender, and Disability: Experiences of Young People with Disabilities in Uganda
1
1. Disability Research Group, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Wakiso, Uganda
2
2. Institute of Education, University College London (UCL ), London, United Kingdom
3
3. Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, London, United Kingdom
4
4. International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1292
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Violence against young people is a major public health concern with long-term consequences for physical health, mental health and social participation. Young people with disabilities face disproportionately higher risks of abuse, exclusion, and marginalization due to intersecting social and structural determinants (1, 2). The NAVIGENDI study examines how disability, gender, and social norms interact to shape experiences of violence among young people in Uganda, with implications for prevention, equity, and inclusive public health responses.
METHODS:
This longitudinal mixed-methods study builds on the Contexts of Violence in Adolescence Cohort. Secondary analysis of quantitative data from three waves (2014: N=3,431; 2018: N=2,773; 2022: N=2,312) was conducted alongside qualitative interviews with 40 young people with disabilities (ages 13–30) and 40 caregivers/peers across Luwero, Masaka, and Wakiso districts. Data collection employed a dialogical approach and the ‘river of life’ methodology to engage participants in reflective knowledge sharing. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and comparatively; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings indicate that youths with functional difficulties experienced higher rates of violence across all waves, highlighting persistent health inequities. Peer violence was especially pronounced, with boys reporting lower peer support, while girls faced elevated risks of sexual harassment and exploitation, including in school settings and during transit. Attitudinal barriers and stigma limited social participation and access to protective environments. Conversely, supportive relationships and inclusive school practices mitigated some negative experiences, demonstrating the potential of school and community systems to function as protective public health platforms.
CONCLUSIONS:
Violence against young people with disabilities in Uganda is driven by intersecting determinants of gender, disability, and social norms, requiring integrated public health action. Strengthening peer networks, inclusive school environments, and school-community prevention responses is critical to reducing violence, promoting mental and social well-being, and advancing health equity.
Violence against young people is a major public health concern with long-term consequences for physical health, mental health and social participation. Young people with disabilities face disproportionately higher risks of abuse, exclusion, and marginalization due to intersecting social and structural determinants (1, 2). The NAVIGENDI study examines how disability, gender, and social norms interact to shape experiences of violence among young people in Uganda, with implications for prevention, equity, and inclusive public health responses.
METHODS:
This longitudinal mixed-methods study builds on the Contexts of Violence in Adolescence Cohort. Secondary analysis of quantitative data from three waves (2014: N=3,431; 2018: N=2,773; 2022: N=2,312) was conducted alongside qualitative interviews with 40 young people with disabilities (ages 13–30) and 40 caregivers/peers across Luwero, Masaka, and Wakiso districts. Data collection employed a dialogical approach and the ‘river of life’ methodology to engage participants in reflective knowledge sharing. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and comparatively; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings indicate that youths with functional difficulties experienced higher rates of violence across all waves, highlighting persistent health inequities. Peer violence was especially pronounced, with boys reporting lower peer support, while girls faced elevated risks of sexual harassment and exploitation, including in school settings and during transit. Attitudinal barriers and stigma limited social participation and access to protective environments. Conversely, supportive relationships and inclusive school practices mitigated some negative experiences, demonstrating the potential of school and community systems to function as protective public health platforms.
CONCLUSIONS:
Violence against young people with disabilities in Uganda is driven by intersecting determinants of gender, disability, and social norms, requiring integrated public health action. Strengthening peer networks, inclusive school environments, and school-community prevention responses is critical to reducing violence, promoting mental and social well-being, and advancing health equity.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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