International attention to conflict-related sexual violence has surged in recent years. Yet while most of the literature and legal instruments focus on strengthening accountability for crimes against women and girls, who are often seen as the main targets of abuse, men and boys are also victims of sexual violence during armed conflict and in its aftermath. The experiences of male victims 1 remain under-reported and under-studied, and demand recognition and accountability. This paper provides a comparative analysis of relevant laws and instruments regarding conflict-related sexual violence against men at the international and regional levels, with a particular focus on East Africa, and the domestic laws of Uganda. It aims to expose the gaps in Ugandan legal protections for victims, and inform an advocacy agenda that promotes legal accountability for these violations.
