A growing movement for justice, accountability and safer universities
What began as a petition calling for accountability over harassment and abuse of power in Uganda’s higher education institutions has grown into a powerful public movement.
The #JusticeForHanifa campaign, led by Hanifa Nakiryowa and amplified by the Centre for Rehabilitation of Survivors of Acid and Burns Violence (CERESAV), has now reached above 18,000 verified signatures and counting.
The petition calls on relevant authorities to take meaningful action against sexual harassment, abuse of power and the misuse of academic authority in higher education institutions. It also calls for stronger reporting and investigation mechanisms, protection for students and whistleblowers, and safer learning environments where no student has to choose between their education and their dignity.
From One Survivor’s Story to a Collective Call for Justice
Hanifa Nakiryowa’s story is at the heart of this campaign. As a survivor of acid violence and the founder of CERESAV, Hanifa has transformed her own experience of violence and trauma into a lifelong commitment to supporting survivors and demanding justice. Her experience as a student, including allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of academic power, has raised important questions about the safety and accountability of Uganda’s higher education institutions.
For CERESAV, #Justiceforhanifa is bigger than one person. It is a call to ensure that students can pursue education without fear of harassment, coercion, retaliation or exploitation.
Orange Wednesday: Social Media Becomes a Movement
The campaign has also taken on a life of its own across social media.
Supporters began wearing orange on Wednesdays as a visible sign of solidarity with Hanifa and with survivors of gender-based violence. What started as individual expressions of support quickly became what many supporters now refer to as Orange Wednesday.
Across social media platforms, people have shared photographs and videos wearing orange, created campaign posters, shared Hanifa’s story and encouraged others to sign and circulate the petition.
''The colour orange has become a visible symbol of solidarity, courage and the demand for justice''
The campaign has brought together students, women, survivors, activists, young people and members of the wider public who are using their platforms to say:
Justice for Hanifa.
No more sexual harassment.
No more abuse of power.
No student should have to trade dignity for education.
The social-media response has included messages of solidarity, personal testimonies, creative campaign materials and calls for people to participate in the movement. The growing use of #Justiceforhanifa and #NoStoryLeftUntold has helped take the conversation beyond Hanifa’s individual experience and towards the wider question of how institutions protect students from abuse.
A Peaceful March Is Planned
The momentum online is also building towards a peaceful public action.
Supporters are calling for a peaceful march on 1 November 2026, from Mulago Hospital towards Makerere University, to amplify the call for justice, accountability and safer learning environments.
Campaign images circulating online describe the march as a collective call to end sexual harassment and ensure that universities become safe spaces for students.
The campaign is not calling for violence. It is calling for accountability, dignity, institutional responsibility and meaningful action.
18,000 Signatures and Counting
Reaching 18,000 signatures demonstrates the strength of public concern around this issue. Every signature represents a person who has chosen to stand with Hanifa and with students who deserve to learn in environments free from harassment and abuse. The petition’s growth also shows the power of survivor-led advocacy and digital solidarity. What began as one survivor speaking about her experience has become a conversation involving thousands of people.
CERESAV is grateful to everyone who has signed, shared, worn orange, created content, spoken out and encouraged others to join the campaign.
But the work does not stop at signatures.
We are calling for action.
We call on the relevant authorities, educational institutions and duty bearers to listen to the voices behind these 18,000+ signatures and take concrete steps to strengthen accountability, protect students and prevent abuse of power in Uganda’s higher education institutions.
Justice for Hanifa is justice for every student who deserves to learn without fear.
No story should be left untold.
No survivor should be silenced.
No student should have to trade dignity for education.
Join the Movement
Sign and share the petition: https://c.org/SYVHFzJbNr
Follow and amplify:
#JusticeForHanifa | #NoStoryLeftUntold | #OrangeWednesday
CERESAV stands with Hanifa Nakiryowa, survivors of gender-based violence, and every student calling for safe, accountable and respectful institutions.