PICTORIAL-VIOLENCE FREE CAMPS, NAKAWA

JUBILEE DINNER PICTORIAL

KISUULE PRIMARY SCHOOL TAKES GOLD

Kisuule Primary School jubilated for about 30 minutes after they were announced winners at the ACFODE Inter-Primary Silver Jubilee competition held on 18th November 2010. Competing against 4 other schools namely Nakasero, Kitante, Froebel and Ntinda Primary, Kisuule displayed such a high level of drama and song that the 4 adjudicators unanimously awarded them highest marks.
Their play, A New Day, which depicted a female choice for the country’s President, held many interesting interpretations of the theme, The Future of the Women of Uganda. Their song, Mothers of the World, was performed with such alacrity and style and they truly deserved first prize. Coming a close second was Nakasero Primary, then Kitante and Froebel and Ntinda that tied. We congratulate each school and appreciate the ACFODE team that pulled it off.
A huge appreciation to Movit and Crown Beverages who awarded each participant with a prize and the Chief guest, Mr. James Tumusiime who inspired the children to continue with such great show of character. And to Kitante Primary School the hosts, such a warm welcome you gave us.

JUBILEE SYMPOSIUM

ACFODE Symposium dawned on a day like no other. Falling on a public holiday, 16th November, did not deter the ACFODE power house from convening together under one roof to pour out their heartfelt stories, share their amazing testimonies and stir up a new era of women in Uganda and beyond. Founder member Dr. Hilda Tadria, the foremothers Prof. Maxine Ankrah, Hon. Dr. Miria Matembe, Ambassaor Bernadette Olowo-Freers, Maude Mugisha, Prof. Ruth Mukama, steered the symposium with the stunning herstory of ACFODE-25 years ago.

Prof. Maxine Ankrah said,

"Is it time for a new ACFODE? Have we got a new vision? Are we angry enough to change the fore of this nation? I declare ACFODE changed this nation fundamentally. 25 years from now, what will our daughters see?"

Truth be told, ACFODE created a presence that no other organisation has ever done for women. It set a pace with such an incredible force that created platforms for many of the movers and shakers that fill up the political spaces today. Civil societies, NGOs like HURINET, Uganda Debt Network, UWONET, NGO FORUM and Gender Department at Makerere University all look to ACFODE in gratitude for their inception.

Close to a hundred participants at the workshop, from Kampala, Rukungiri, Karamoja, Kabale, Apac, Sironko, Busia and Bukedea took part in this monumental symposium, which marked the secon official day of ACFODE's Silver Jubilee celebrations.

The panel for the youth , under the theme, Embracing the youth in Gender Equality passionately rose to the challenge to continue the journey that the foremothers began. Richard Makumbi, currently with CEDOVIP, said, “When boys/men are excluded from community-based efforts to empower women, women’s lives may improve in the short term, but there will be very little “effect on the overall institutional, societal and structural transformations needed to achieve true gender equality.”

Hon. Dr. Matembe, who formed part of the panel on Transformative politics said that, "Abandonment of a National vision spoilt everything, it all got spoilt when the National vision was personalised."

We are grateful to all panelists, discussantts and participants and to Diakonia, the main sponsors of the event. A great thank you to the ACFODE staff and members for putting it all together.

SILVER JUBILEE MARCH IN PICTURES

MORE ACFODE JUBILEE PICTURES

ACFODE JUBILEE PICTORIAL

The images show an array of pictures from preparatory stage to various events leading to our Silver Jubilee.

KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY TAKES ACFODE INTER-UNIVERSITY DEBATE CROWN

On Saturday 30th October 2010, after a heated two day inter-university debate organised by ACFODE, Kyambogo University took the crown beating UCU Mukono, Kampala University, UMU Nkozi and Makerere University. The debate competitions, the first of their kind in Uganda, uner the British Parliamentary format, generated interesting discussion and arguments.
Participants sweated it out over the two days at Nob View Hotel and the judges who were from National Debate Council and CRY Uganda had a tough time selecting quarter finalists, semi finalists, finalists and the eventual winners.
It was during the inner dance and award giving ceremony that we finally saw Osipo Benjamin and Mulepo Benjamin of Kyambogo University emerging winners.
Second were Oketcho Eddie and Kasolo Sheila of UCU Mukono who won most eloquent speakers.
Third were Karamagi Andrew and Mugarura Eric of UCU again who put up such a good fight. This Naitonal debae experience was proudly sponsoredby Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) who showed interest in sponsoring it annually.

counting down

As we ount down, the excitement and tempo of the celebrations are rising high. Some empers are flaring as people are clouded with the work and forgetting to look on the bright side of things-only 3 weeks to go, so let us all be cheerful and embrace the Jubilee.

Silver Jubilee

The theme is Celebrating 25 years of Gender Equality; Embracing the youth and Looking Ahead. The programme is as follows.

Saturday 30 October
Final debate and dinner. Inter-university debate under the theme, Are Women's Organisations still relevant in Uganda? Participants are Kyambogo, UCU Mukono, UMU Nkozi, Makerere and Kampala Universities. MEMPROW will also take part.

Monday 15 November 2010
A walk from the city center to ACFODE premises. At ACFODE, there will also be an exhibition and press conference. This is sponsored by HURINET UGANDA and CENTURY BOTTLING COMPANY.

Tuesday 16 November 2010
One-day symposium at Hotel Africana. Sponsored by KAS and Diakonia.

Thursday 18 November 2010
Inter-primary school drama and song competition; theme :The future of the women of Uganda." Participants are Kitante Primary, Nakasero, Froebel , Ntinda Primary and Kisuule.

Friday 19 November 2010
Final dinner dance at Protea Hotel Kampala

ACFODE hosts Dr. Wymer and challenges women

On Friday 16 July, ACFODE hosted over 60 women and men from civilsociety, Parliament, public and private sectors in a meeting on Womenand the Electoral Processes.Dr. Stephen Wymer, an advisor to the US Government, public speaker andcounselor, in his presentation, challenged the participants toquestion themselves and ask; Are women in Parliament representing theneeds of women? He went on to say that in the US, Hillary Clinton roseto the top because she represented general issues which inadvertentlydo affect women. The women’s ticket is wearing people out. It isalmost always that the issues affecting the general populace do alsoaffect women.He further went on to ask the participants the average age of majorityvoters. They responded by saying from 40 and above. Dr. Wymer askedwhy youth and the urban population are less interested in voting. Hesaid that President Obama brought a new wave of voters in the US.While older people were more interested din voting, in 2008, Obamainterested a majority youth to vote.Dr. Wymer said that Ugandans should change strategies in order toinclude the youth in the electoral process. What are the differentways to advance women’s issues instead of the same mundane methods?ACFODE has taken on this challenge and as part of the 25 years’celebrations, will hold an inter-university debate including membersof MEMPROW with the theme, Is the Women’s Movement Still relevant inUganda? The purpose of this theme is to include the integral youthcommunity into the issue of advocating for gender concerns while beinginclusive of men’s needs as well. Below are responses to this message which was sent on email.

Which is why we still have a number of questions unanswered - not to mentionthat they are the same questions we ask ourselves year in and out.Why leaders change goal posts after assuming positions of power and onlyremember the electorate a couple of months to the next election!!!Allegiance to parties versus interests of the electorate - which by the wayare usually as modest as asking for a health center and a good road to it.Thanks for sharing Bev.SylviaEASSI

thanx nambozo am glad that I was one of those who participated in such a historic lecture from Dr. Waymer. From that lecture I have come to realize that my strategies of becoming a political leader were strengthened and I remember him questioning us whether we stand in positions to enrich ourselves or to work for those we lead. When I thought about that question later on I realized most of the political leaders we have in this country are just in those positions to enrich themselves than serving the electorate, very few are doing the right thing and two I apathize with our women in this multiparty dispensation where our women leaders have to pay allegiance to their parties than serving women interests.I remain yoursRichard makumbiPrograms officerAdvocacy programKCCC

the involvement of the young people in the discussions we have been engaging in on good governance is very important. we need to seriously work with the young women and men and inculcate in them the importance of social justice and gender equality while also encouraging them to critique the status quo and be a part of solution to the so many leadership challenges we see out there. not to mention that they are energetic and creative and willing many times to go the extra mile. that is why FOWODE, six years ago, decided to begin mentoring young women and men for alternative and transformative leadership and the results so far are very encouraging. the "small" initiatives that each of us are a part of will eventually translate into social transformation of our country.the struggle continuesPatricia, FOWODE

Thanks Beverlyand well done ACFODE,these are the kind sof conversations that should help us reflect and keepon track as well as compel us to do certain things at a given time .we must be as dynamic as possible to ensure that our issues are NEVERforgotten but addressed.thanks, Tina Musuya, RAISING VOICES

ACFODE TRAINS WOMEN IN LIRA

ACFODE trained 27 women in LiraDistrict in June. Amongst them, 5 were vying for Member of Parliament, 12 for District level counsillorship, 4 for LC level and 6 for sub-county level. The women represented different parties. The training was well-received and timely because the party preliminaries are very soon. The first time candidates expressed worry over the amount of resources needed to cover a campaign and also the lack of aparent support from family. Amongst the 27 candidates, only 2 were competing for the direct seat and the rest were under the affirmative seat. ACFODE encouraged the candidates to widen their networks for resource mobilisation after hearing that some candidates had opted to sell their pieces of land. ACFODE continues to serve as a center for resource as some candidates have begun visiting the office for material to guide them in the campaigns.

ACFODE OPENS NEW CHAPTER IN APAC

The Executive Director, Regina Bafaki, together with staff member Daphine Agaba, visited Apac to open a new chapter in the District. The leaders of the district welcomed ACFODE with open arms. They were able to visit several organisations that showed willingness to work alongside them and demonstrate ways of promoting gender equality anf ACFODE concerns. They also conducted a consultative meeting on the citizens' manifesto including representatives of the media, civil society and individuals. Many of the issues faced by women were similar like poverty, access to justice, quality education, maternal health, peace and scurity and corruption and access to markets and credit facilities, safe water, sanitation, environment protection and gender based violence. After signing the MOU, Regina expressed gratitude towards the new partnership.

DON'T ASK WHY; ASK WHY NOT? CALL FOR ARTICLES

Dear Friends,

Don’t Ask Why? Ask Why not. This is the theme for Acfode’s next quarterly magazine, Arise. We kindly request articles from you. This theme provokes each of us in a deliberate way to burst the bubble of normalcy and view life from the lens of confidence, achievement and risk in order to achieve what was considered before as unachievable.

This could be viewed as a woman standing for President, a female Inspector General of Police, and other key areas of our own personal lives where we have been postponing important decisions.

Acfode pays for accepted articles and also gives copies of the magazine. The standard length is 800 to, 1,000 words with pictures if possible. The deadline for acceptance of articles is August 2 2010. You may email your articles to Nambozo@gmail.com.

Kind Regards,

ACFODE TAKES PART IN LAUNCH OF POLITICALPLURALISM ASSESSMENT BOOK

ACFODE attended the launch of the book on a report on The State of Political Pluralism and Democracy at Local Government level in Uganda; The Assessment of Seven Districts of Uganda 16 June, at Protea Hotel. It is based on the background of the 2005 Referendum that changed the governance of Uganda to multi-party political system. The report looks at the issues which form the basis of any functioning democracy. The project was implemented in the seven districts of Arua, Gulu, Kasese, Masaka, Mbarara, Mbale and Soroti.

The premise behind the project is the recognition that the concepts of political pluralism, democratic participation and representation are central to the practice of genuine democracy. The report aims to help the 7 districts and others with similar challenges and opportunities they face in promoting pluralism, democratic participation and representation. It also provides meaningful recommendations amongst them:-the urgent need to enhance the awareness of political pluralism, democratic participation and representation. There is also need to provide effective and widespread civic education. The project is funded by the EU. More information can be found on the website http://www.kas.de/.

ACFODE TAKES PART IN LAUNCH OF POLITICAL PLURALISM ASSESSMENT BOOK

ACFODE attended the launch of the book on a report on The State of Political Pluralism and Democracy at Local Government level in Uganda; The Assessment of Seven Districts of Uganda 16 June, at Protea Hotel. It is based on the background of the 2005 Referendum that changed the governance of Uganda to multi-party political system. The report looks at the issues which form the basis of any functioning democracy. The project was implemented in the seven districts of Arua, Gulu, Kasese, Masaka, Mbarara, Mbale and Soroti.

The premise behind the project is the recognition that the concepts of political pluralism, democratic participation and representation are central to the practice of genuine democracy. The report aims to help the 7 districts and others with similar challenges and opportunities they face in promoting pluralism, democratic participation and representation. It also provides meaningful recommendations amongst them:-the urgent need enhance the awareness of political pluralism, democratic participation and representation. There is also need to provide effective and widespread civic education. The project is funded by the EU. More information can be found on the website http://www.kas.de/.

ACFODE TAKES PART IN SMS HOTLINE LAUNCH

ACFODE TAKES PART IN SMS HOTLINE LAUNCH

Do you have an issue of concern with the electoral process? Well, ACFODE, being a member of (Democracy Monitoring Group) DEM Group, has a solution. During the recent launch of the Citizen's Reporting hotline, ACFODE and other stakeholders were able to bridge the gap between citizens and smooth running of elections. The Citizen's Reporting SMS hotline is a quick and effective solution for citizens to raise issues of concern during the electoral process. There have been several complaints of long lines, insufficient time and lack of adequate information. This hotline, 6090, costs only one hundred UGX across all networks and once an issue is raised, there is an instant response. We encourage all of you to make this information as accessible as possible to your constituents and friends in order for smooth running of elections. Vote wisely. DEM group is partnering with UgandaWatch 2011, an independent body not connected with any political party of government. Once you SMS, your privacy will be respected. ACFODE is also celebrating 25 years this year and is excited to make you a part of 25 years of women's progress in Uganda and beyond. Amongst the programmes are Monitoring of Institutions mandated to promote democracy and good governance from a gender perspective. As citizens, the power is in our hands to make informed constitutional choices.

OUR SILVER JUBILEE

This is a very exciting year for ACFODE. This year, we will be celebrating 25 years of women’s progress, of growth, of partnership with many sisters worldwide, of merging great coalitions, of seeing our babies grow into dynamic organizations and envisioning a way ahead.

The very dedicated and gifted staff and members of ACFODE are working their tails off to ensure that the Silver Jubilee is an event that will set a trail blazer for many generations to come. ACFODE was formed in 1985 by the United Nations Third World Conference on Women held in Nairobi in July that year. Since its inception, ACFODE has raised, nurtured and realized the growth of many formidable women and organizations. A few examples are Uganda Women’s Organisation (UWONET), a membership organization that has made great progress towards gender equality in Uganda. Great women like Dr. Maxine Ankrah, Dr. Hilda Tadria, Dr. Hon Miria Matembe, Judy Kamanyi, Dr. Edith Natukunda and many others have left indelible marks at the organization.

ACFODE also recognizes the many interns that have passed through its programs. Many realize that the experience of being a part of ACFODE many of the unanswered questions that they had after their degrees. ACFODE made clear their own personal visions for life, the importance of self management and also the purpose of gender and women’s empowerment.

One of the former interns, Daphine Agaba, is currently actively participating in reaching out to communities in Kampala, Wakiso and Kisoro on the citizens’ manifesto. She empowers women on their role as citizens and the change they can make through the constitutional process.

ACFODE is grateful to the past and current development partners that have seen it through the decades.

HIVOS
Ford Foundation
Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung
Eirene-International Christian Peace Service
UNIFEM/EU
DFID
African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)
Marion Doro
diakonia
Independent Development Fund
Trocaire
Action Aid Uganda
Several project partners

The celebrations shall take place during the week of November 15 to 19 2010 and climactize on the 19th, the actual date that ACFODE was formed in 1985. We invite our stakeholders, partners and friends to be a part. We will keep you informed of the updates.

ACFODE ATTENDS WOMEN IN POLITICS CONFERENCE

ACFODE was privileged to attend the Women in Politics Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo from 13 to 16 June 2010. ACFODE is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year and one of its core areas is Advocacy for Women’s Effective Participation in Politics and Decision Making.

In her address, Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian President, congratulated Uganda for the progress on women’s issues and cautions all of us as the general elections draw near. She mentioned the dire state at which Liberia was when she was elected and marked a positive contribution for the years ahead. In an interesting twist, we learnt that Her Excellency suffered a lot of rigging during the electoral process of Liberia at the time and even had to change parties. Her resilience paid off.

In another address, Hon. Martha Karua, EGH, Member of Parliament (Kenya) Party Chairperson/Party Leader NARC Kenya addressed the conference and mentioned several important issues for women. Women must learn to negotiate their space way in advance of elections, and women should stand for the mainstream seats. Instead of waiting for other women to move over, women must stand for the main winning seats. She congratulated Uganda on their women representation in Parliament. Women have a strong voice, are strong as a united body and they have the power of numbers especially when united. Women should be judged by the same standards as their male counterparts. Even though women suffer all kinds of violence to get discouraged, women must be strong and focused. Hon. Karua says even though she has suffered a lot by detractors, she has remained focused and not forgotten the main reason for her political calling.

She concluded by stating that women have the ability to multitask and was appreciative of one delegate who attended the conference with her baby. Stereotypes must be rid of and Hon. Karua stated that she is ready to become the President of The Republic of Kenya.

INTRODUCING ACFODE

Action for Development (ACFODE) is an indigenous, voluntary, non-governmental women’s organization formed in 1985. Its formation was stimulated by the United Nations Third World Conference on Women held in Nairobi in July 1985. The issues raised in this conference raised a need for an organized forum that would formally provide a platform for effective debate and action on issues related to the advancement of women in Uganda.
Vision
A just society where there is gender equality of opportunities in all spheres
Mission
To Promote Women’s Empowerment, Gender Equality and Equity through Advocacy, Networking and Capacity Building of both Women and Men.
Organizational Objectives
• To increase women’s effective involvement in politics and decision-making through building the leadership capacity of potential female leaders at all levels
• To promote good governance and democracy at national, district and local council levels through democracy monitoring and civic education
• To defend and protect women’s rights through elimination of gender based violence and any form of discrimination against women
• To promote formulation and implementation of gender responsive political, economic and social policies as well as programs
• To build and strengthen the capacity of ACFODE and other like-minded civil society organizations for effective implementation of programmes intended to benefit the vulnerable women
ACFODE’s focal areas
ACFODE’s work revolves around five major focal areas:
• Sexual And Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and discrimination
• Women’s rights and opportunities
• Good governance and democracy
• Women’s economic, social and political empowerment
• Institutional development


CONTACT DETAILS
Regina Bafaki
Executive Director
Email address: btregis2002@yahoo.com
Tel: + 256 782 516006