Society had convinced them they no longer had value. I couldn’t accept that. I couldn’t allow the world to silence us. So I decided I would not disappear. Instead, I would become visible. I founded CERESAV in 2012 to ensure no survivor would suffer in silence, and that every scar would become a story of strength. My disfigurement became my declaration.” CERESAV uses a holistic approach—medical, legal, psychosocial, and economic. Which area has been most challenging to build, and why? “The most difficult part has been building the psychosocial support side. Acid violence doesn’t just destroy skin—it eats away at a person’s identity. Many survivors suffer in silence, afraid to even show their face. Establishing ‘Equip Circles’—our survivor- led support groups—meant breaking deeply rooted cultural stigma. Counseling in Uganda is still misunderstood. People think you’re ‘crazy’ if you seek mental health support. So we had to begin with education—within our own survivor community. Training counselors, finding trauma-informed professionals, securing private spaces for women to talk—all of it was slow, careful work. But it was essential. A healed face means little if the soul remains wounded. Emotional healing had to be our cornerstone.”
How have you tapped international networks to secure funding and surgical partnerships?
“It’s been a blend of persistence, storytelling, and strategic partnerships. While studying in Pittsburgh, I began reaching out to global health institutions and burn foundations—telling our stories, showing the need. Organizations like Inspired Women helped amplify our voice. We established partnerships with hospitals in the U.S. and India to provide reconstructive surgeries that survivors in Uganda could never afford. CERESAV USA now mobilizes funds to send women abroad for care. But it’s not just about the money—it’s about building trust. When donors hear from survivors directly, when they see the transformation, they become lifelong allies. We’re not just raising funds—we’re raising a movement of global solidarity.”
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