Seventeen-year-old Sabi lives in one of Kampala’s largest low-income urban communities. After losing both her parents at a young age, her elder brother took over her care and education. When she completed Senior Four, she moved from Pakwach to Kampala to pursue tailoring. She now lives with her brother and sister-in-law while studying to become a fashion designer.
Life in the city has not been easy, but Sabi was determined to build a better future. She spent most of her time learning tailoring and helping at home. However, being in a new environment exposed her to new influences. Wanting to fit in, she started spending time with friends who introduced her to parties.
“I wish I had not given in to peer pressure. I didn’t think something like that could ever happen to me,” she says quietly.
One evening, she was invited to a house party. She trusted her friends, but that night changed everything. During the event, she suddenly felt unwell, and later woke up confused, realising something terrible had happened to her. She felt scared, ashamed, and alone. She realised she had been drugged and sexually assaulted by two men.
For days, she kept it to herself, not wanting anyone, especially her brother, to know. But then she remembered hearing from community mobilisers that Tiko could help girls and young women experiencing violence. She gathered her courage and walked into the office of a local community based organisation, Forever Redeemer.
“I just wanted help and someone to believe me,” she says.
The community mobiliser at Forever Redeemer listened to her, comforted her, and immediately referred her to the nearest suitable Medical Centre through the Tiko platform. There, she received medical care, including STI testing, treatment, emergency pills, and PEP. The case was then reported to the police with support from Tiko partners. Because she could describe the location of the party and the people involved, the perpetrators were arrested.
“I was able to get justice. I only ask that our community helps make sure police officers stay accountable, so that people like me don’t see cases thrown out because of bribery.”
Through the Tiko-supported process, she received counseling and learned more about her rights, health, and where to seek help. She now feels more confident and informed not only to protect herself but also to support others.
“Now I know where to go and who to run to if me or my friends ever experience violence,” she says.
Since then, she has been slowly rebuilding her life, focusing on finishing her tailoring course. Some of her new friends from Tiko have even become supporters of her small tailoring business.
“Some of the friends I have met through Tiko now support my business. That gives me hope.”
Sabi dreams of becoming a professional fashion designer with her own clothing line. She wants other young girls to feel safe and empowered to speak up and seek help.
“I dream of finishing my tailoring course, starting my own fashion business, and helping young girls believe in themselves, no matter what they’ve gone through.”
Dorah Anita, Tiko’s Country Director in Uganda, says:
“What Sabi did takes real courage. It is not easy for a young survivor to speak up after abuse. But by choosing to tell her story, she demanded justice, dignity, and respect. When one girl finds the strength to speak, she gives courage to many others who are still silent and afraid. Her voice reminds us that every girl deserves to be heard, believed, protected, and supported. Her bravery is a light for the whole community.”
Today, her story is one of courage not just for surviving, but for using her voice to seek justice, healing, and hope. Through Tiko, she found a path toward safety, health, and a future she still believes in.