On the 16th of December, we hosted a Cross-Sector Alliance Symposium at our Empowerment Centre in Uganda bringing together survivors, leaders from refugee communities, NGOs, civil society actors, and law enforcement into one space to strengthen Uganda’s response to modern slavery and human trafficking.The symposium marked an important step toward improving safe and ethical screening practices, survivor-centred referral pathways, and cross-sector collaboration, particularly within refugee and vulnerable communities.

A highlight of the day was celebrating 30 survivors supported through the Kompass Project, who received certificates after completing their soap-making training. For many, it marked more than the end of a training, it was a step toward dignity, income, and new beginnings.

We were honoured to be joined by partners and dignitaries including Emmanuel Wataka (The Salvation Army), Ismail Kadumbula (Gombolola Internal Security), Jane Nakiwale (NGO Forum), Juliet Nakyonzi (CATIPU), Joan Ndagire (Mwagale Foundation), Afusa Kiwanuka (OC Family and Child Unit), and Eric Rusagara (Changai Africa). This gathering was made possible through the Kompass Project, with the generous support of our partner, éLiberare. Their commitment continues to help create spaces where survivors and refugee communities are centered, partnerships are strengthened, and real change takes root.