Acid Survivors’ Foundation Uganda (ASFU) is an indigenous NGO that was established in 2003 to support acid violence survivors by enabling them to access medical treatment, rehabilitation, justice and counselling. Acid attacks are an extreme form of pre-mediated violence where sulphuric, nitric or hydrochloric acid is thrown on the face/body of a victim often resulting in death, blindness or acute disfigurement.

As a result, victims of acid violence face terrible physical, psycho-social, and financial consequences. Reasons behind this type of violence include revenge, jealousy, hatred, relationship/property conflicts or business rivalry. Acid throwing is also common among Asian countries of Bangladesh (highest incidence), India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Nepal and Vietnam. Acid violence is an escalating problem in Uganda with an average of 30 attacks per year. Currently, ASFU has a total of registered 268 known acid cases; 55% of this total includes women and children. ASFU’s research reveals that acid is easily accessible to the public. In regard to the law, police generally take action to investigate acid attacks; however, justice to victims is often denied or delayed.

ASFU continues to work with Government of Uganda (GOU), the International community and Non Government Organizations (NGOs) that focus on human rights, domestic violence and gender issues to ensure that acid survivors access services that are critical to their wellbeing. ASFU’s activities generally include:

• Medical, welfare support to acid survivors.
• Legal support and advise to survivors.
• Awareness raising and advocacy programmes.
• Psychosocial support and empowerment of acid survivors.
• Implementing an efficient notification system.
• In-house income generating projects e.g. Pressure Garment Unit.

You can help by:

• Spreading the word about ASFU and encouraging survivors and their families to register with ASFU
• Donating your skills and time to supporting ASFU’s work
• Donating funds to enable ASFU to reach its objectives.

Case Story:
The evening of 26th December 1999 was to forever change 21 year old Juma’s life who was a Cobbler based in Luweero. On his way home at about 8:00pm, he was attacked with acid by a jealous business rival. The assailant stalked Juma and splashed acid on his face. Juma only realized he had been attacked with acid when he felt a burning sensation. Relatives rushed Juma to a local dispensary, and he was later transferred to Mulago hospital where he spent the next 8 months recovering. Today Juma is severely disfigured, blinded in one eye and has only one ear.

His perpetrator was jailed for only 3 years for the crime. With the help of ASFU, Juma has regained hope. The Foundation has provided reconstructive surgery, counselling, peer support and a source of livelihood. Juma is currently employed as a technician in the Pressure Garment Unit at ASFU making specialised clothing for burns victims.