OFFICIAL LAUNCH FOR EU-SUPPORTED PROJECT “ACTION FOR STRENGTHENING GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN UGANDA” AT THE SERENA HOTEL

On Tuesday November 15th 2011, several national and district level governance actors including Members of Parliament, Development Partners, Civil Society, Academia as well as the Media converged at the Kampala Serena Hotel for the official launch of the EU-supported project “Action for Strengthening Good Governance and Accountability in Uganda.” The 1.2 billion shillings project will be implemented by KAS and ACFODE with support from the European Development Fund (EDF). Over the course of 2 years it will be taken to 11 districts across Uganda.

Among the distinguished guests at the launch of this project were the National Authorizing Officer and Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Maria Kiwanuka, the EU Head of Delegation in Uganda, H.E Roberto Ridolfi, the KAS Country Representative Dr Angelika Klein and the Executive Director of Action for Development (ACFODE), Ms Regina Bafaki. Also present were Hon. Gerald Karuhanga, Youth Member of Parliament for the Western Region and Hon. Christine Abia Member of Parliament for Arua District.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr Angelika Klein extended her gratitude to the European Union, the Democratic Governance and Accountability Program (DGAP) and the government of Uganda who had offered their kind support in launching the project. She was especially appreciative of the government of Uganda who through their good will and support had continued to provide an enabling environment for projects such as this one to be implemented. Dr Klein went on further to applaud the interventions of ACFODE who has partnered with KAS for more than 20 years to address issues of good governance and accountability in Uganda. “The interventions ACFODE has undertaken in these areas have been outstanding especially with regard to women’s participation in politics. Like KAS, ACFODE continues to uphold the highest standards and it is because of this that we can guarantee effectiveness in the implementation of this project.”

In his remarks H.E. Roberto Ridolfi pointed out that “much as there are still several limitations to realizing full blown accountability in Uganda, criticism without any form of assistance is just not constructive. The legislation in Uganda is one of the best in the world; all these laws make a complex system of legislation which has to be implemented even when complex. It is for this reason that projects such as this one are so important."

He concluded by cautioning Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to avoid duplication of programs and to align their proposals and ideas with the National Development Plan (NDP) so as to ensure that their programs were in line with the priorities of the country. He also called on increased transparency in licensing of CSOs and removal of unnecessary restriction on the registration of CSOs.

In her speech, Hon Maria Kiwanuka pointed out that good governance and accountability was essential in creating an enabling environment for development and it was for this reason that the government of Uganda would lend its full support to initiatives that aimed at achieving this. She further pointed out that the government would continue to build institutions such as the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Uganda Police and the Parliament whose purpose is to ensure the enforcement of good governance and accountability. The Minister added that this project would be invaluable in enforcing democratic processes at the local level as well as ensuring accountability. She concluded by applauding initiatives such as the “democracy fairs” under the launched project as well as the existing “barazas” which ensure that CSOs working on issues of governance can work together with the government to reach as many citizens as possible while at the same time ensuring that there are less chances of duplication.

Participants at the launch were also given an opportunity to share their thoughts on the project. Some of the common sentiments that were shared by those present were that the project assists young people in demanding accountability and engaging in civic activism since they formed a significant percentage of Uganda’s population. The police and the media were also identified as target groups who should be sensitized on issues of good governance and accountability. Hon. Christine Abia also mentioned that she hoped the activities implemented in this project would close the gap between politicians and their people.

Ms Regina Bafaki, Exective Director of ACFODE, officially closed the event by thanking all those who had managed to attend the launch. “You honoring this invitation is a sign that you are committed to strengthening good and accountability in your respective capacities as well as in the districts where the action will be implemented. We assure you that we shall continue consulting with you throughout the implementation of this project because as we work together we shall be able to achieve the intended results.”

Click to view pictorial of the whole event; https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.278747825494331.57917.175465652489216&type=3&saved

Submitted By Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Action For Development

EXCITEMENT ROCKS GULU AND APAC DISTRICTS AT THE LAUNCH OF A NEW PROJECT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH!

At the beginning of this month, excitement rocked Gulu and Apac districts when a project titled ,“NURTURING THE YOUNG TREES TO MAKE A THICK FOREST; Protecting And Empowering Children and Youth In Northern Uganda” was launched.

The project aims to promote peace, reintegration and the protection of children and youth affected by the prolonged conflict in Acholi and Lango sub-regions in Northern Uganda. It is implemented in partnership with three organizations namely: ACFODE, ANPPCAN and ACORD; coordinated by VSO with support from Comic Relief.

The overall objective of the launch was to officially introduce the project to the key stakeholders in the districts, and to also create a sense of ownership, and obtain their support in project implementation.

Both occasions were graced by the presence of district officials, CSO representatives, sub county officials, school children, community members/ elders, and youth among others. Their presence showed the kind of enthusiasm and support the people had about the project.

In Gulu, the project launch was officiated by Ojara Martin, the Chairman LC V Gulu district, while in Apac, the launch was officiated by Hon. Dorcas Otim – who is the Finance Secretary at the district council.

Many participants at the launches were happy about the project because it mainly targets children, and youth who form majority of the population in both districts.

Project publics include children/youth who have been, or are being abused, those at the risk of abuse, child mothers, and youth in need of livelihood support.

This is going to be done through; improved protection services and legal assistance to children and youth who have been affected by of abuse or are at the risk of abuse, provision of sustainable alternative livelihood opportunities to children and youth affected by conflict, through effective engagement of youth with duty bearers (local government, non state actors, and communities) for improved decision making and accountability, and through increased capacity of key actors to address the needs of conflict affected children and youth by facilitating policy development and implementation at all levels of governance.

During the launches, district officials pledged their support to ACFODE, ACORD, ANPPCAN-UGANDA, and to VSO during the time the project is going to be implemented in the region.In his remarks, Mr. Ojara Martin (LC V Chairperson Gulu) said that, “this is a unique partnership where four organizations have come together to achieve particular objectives that are set to benefit ordinary young people. We are very greatly and guarantee our full support. Count on us whenever you need help.”

Hon. Dorcas Otim also expressed her excitement about the project “that comes to empower youth and protect children; a vulnerable group that many times development programs neglect yet they constitute a big population that is key to the development of the district and the whole country.” She further noted that “the initiative of partnership is something that strengthens other stakeholders’ interventions” and also emphasized cooperation with all the stakeholders in the district. She too pledged the Apac distict support at all times.

Among the many activities organized for the launches were the marches, and entertainment from local cultural groups. The launches were used as networking spaces between the implementers, district officials, civil society representatives, project beneficiaries, and community members at large.

Submitted By Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Action For Development

EXCITEMENT ROCKS GULU AND APAC DISTRICTS AT THE LAUNCH OF A NEW PROJECT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH!

At the beginning of this month, excitement rocked Gulu and Apac districts when a project, “NURTURING THE YOUNG TREES TO MAKE A THICK FOREST; Protecting And Empowering Children and Youth In Northern Uganda” was launched.

The project aims to promote peace, reintegration and the protection of children and youth affected by the prolonged conflict in Acholi and Lango sub-regions in Northern Uganda. It is implemented in partnership with three organizations namely: ACFODE, ANPPCAN and ACORD; coordinated by VSO with support from Comic Relief.

The overall objective of the launch was to officially introduce the project to the key stakeholders in the districts, and to also create a sense of ownership, and obtain their support in project implementation.

Both occasions were graced by the presence of district officials, CSO representatives, sub county officials, school children, community members/ elders, and youth among others. Their presence showed the kind of enthusiasm and support the people had about the project.

In Gulu, the project launch was officiated by Ojara Martin, the Chairman LC V Gulu district, while in Apac, the launch was officiated by Hon. Dorcas Otim – who is the Finance Secretary at the district council.

Many participants at the launches were happy about the project because it mainly targets children, and youth who form majority of the population in both districts.

Project publics include children/youth who have been, or are being abused, those at the risk of abuse, child mothers, and youth in need of livelihood support.

This is going to be done through; improved protection services and legal assistance to children and youth who have been affected by of abuse or are at the risk of abuse, provision of sustainable alternative livelihood opportunities to children and youth affected by conflict, through effective engagement of youth with duty bearers (local government, non state actors, and communities) for improved decision making and accountability, and through increased capacity of key actors to address the needs of conflict affected children and youth by facilitating policy development and implementation at all levels of governance.

During the launches, district officials pledged their support to ACFODE, ACORD, ANPPCAN-UGANDA, and to VSO during the time the project is going to be implemented in the region.In his remarks, Mr. Ojara Martin (LC V Chairperson Gulu) said that, “this is a unique partnership where four organizations have come together to achieve particular objectives that are set to benefit ordinary young people. We are very greatly and guarantee our full support. Count on us whenever you need help.”

Hon. Dorcas Otim also expressed her excitement about the project “that comes to empower youth and protect children; a vulnerable group that many times development programs neglect yet they constitute a big population that is key to the development of the district and the whole country.” She further noted that “the initiative of partnership is something that strengthens other stakeholders’ interventions” and also emphasized cooperation with all the stakeholders in the district. She too pledged the Apac distict support at all times.

Among the many activities organized for the launches were the marches, and entertainment from local cultural groups. The launches were used as networking spaces between the implementers, district officials, civil society representatives, project beneficiaries, and community members at large.

Submitted by Sandra Nassali
Public Relations & Communications Officer.
Action For Development

“Peace is to have freedom, human rights, and to be free from violence,” Princess Katrina Sarah Sangalyambogo - Kampala International School Uganda (KI

From the 22^nd of September to the 22^nd of October, ACFODE was hosting Children’s Training Workshops on Peace. These workshops were part of the activities organized by ACFODE to celebrate the International Day of Peace. They were intended to enable pupils understand and define peace, and to enable them playfully share opinions and discuss the relevance of peace to them.

Among the participating schools were Kisuule Primary School, and Kampala International School Uganda (KISU).

The activities organized during the workshops were; storytelling, exploration of the international exhibition on peace, and creation of own art works like for instance the peace tree, and dove. Participants also watched a movie (which was usually followed by plenary discussions on peace), and also signed on the peace quilt.

They also drew rainbows, and participated in singing competitions. At the end of the workshops, every participant was awarded with a Certificate of Participation.

These workshops basically used meaningful play, and provided the groundwork for children to articulate their thoughts and work through their differences such that a paradigm for problem solving and peacemaking in the next generation is established.

Like M.K. Gandhi said that “If we are to teach real peace in this world, we should have to begin with children,” ACFODE through the use of these workshops decided to follow suit. At the end of the day, laughter and happiness were shared between these children, their teachers, ACFODE staff and the facilitators.

The ideas they shared about peace were really amazing. Below are some of the peace messages that they shared during the workshops;

“Love and forgiveness is part of peace,” Kalil Mankok

“Peace is love, faithfulness, forgiveness, relaxation and freedom,” Simone

“Peace is to be glad with other people, and to be kind since we are all special,” Lio

“If you have peace with yourself, you will have peace with others” Abigail

Follow link to view a pictorial of the workshops; https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.271622419540205.57032.175465652489216&type=1

Submitted By Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Action For Development

ACFODE ROOTS FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Action for Development held a national dialogue in an effort to mobilise women leaders to promote social entrepreneurship. The dialogue which took place on the 28th of October 2011 at Hotel Africana in Kampala was supported by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

The solemn event brought together a number of stakeholders from politics, civil society and the academia. Several members of parliament were in attendance. The Chairperson ACFODE Board of Directors Ms. Jane Nakintu underscored the importance of having social change agents in society, for their significance in bringing about societal development.

The objectives of the dialogue were to; bring together women leaders and other relevant actors to discuss social entrepreneurship, create an understanding of women leadership and social entrepreneurship and to map out strategies on how women leaders can become social entrepreneurs.

The theme for the dialogue was “Women Leaders and Social Entrepreneurship.” One of the presenters Mr. Titus Kaijura a senior Economist with Ministry of finance, planning, and economic development noted that “Social entrepreneurship is about bringing transformation in systems, ideology or methods of works to make them work better not only to benefit a given class but even those who are disadvantaged.”

He further noted that the focus of a Social entrepreneur is societal needs or concerns (Rights of women to control property, better governance, family planning efforts, natural resource conservation, parenting, prevention of crime, Consumer protection, among others).

Participants showed a lot of interest in the topic and were very appreciative of the participatory approaches employed by all presenters and discussants.

One of the participants Ms. Jessica Matwire, a Human Resource Consultant with FIN-HUM Solutions LTD appreciated ACFODE for organising such forum. She noted that,

“Being part of this dialogue has made me realise that i have been a social entrepreneur for quite some time. I started a candle making project some timer back, and I employ 3 people. The candles are on high demand, so i am able to make a few profits which i use to empower those that work with me on the project. Therefore I urge youths to invest in this because they will be in position to empower themselves, their friends, and communities.”

Another participant Brain Lawrence, a student of Economics from Makerere University noted that, “My attitude towards life has changed so much from what i have learnt today. I am going to apply the skills i have acquired so that i start up something that will not only empower me, but my community as well. This is far better than sitting home and waiting for a white collar job to come along. I also request the organizers to bring such fora in our institutions because i believe every young person out there needs to learn about such current issues. They are very empowering”

Also, during one of the discussions, Connie Galiwango, Mbale Woman Representative said that”attending the dialogue made her realize the importance of being a social change agent as she is a community leader. She hence promised to take it upon herself to identify a social problem in her district, and to come up with innovative solutions to create change that will even benefit the grass root people, most especially women.”

Nassuuna Olive Kayando, Secretary Women Affairs with the Forum For Democratic Change (FDC) was also very pleased with the outcomes of the dialogue. She commended ACFODE for its approach of involving seasoned and inactive politicians like her in its mandate as they still had the power to create social change.

In a synopsis, the dialogue was a success given the tremendous turn up. A total 140 attended and these included; Women Members of Parliament, civil society representatives, academicians, students from higher institutions of learning, political party representatives, representatives from corporate companies, and the media.

Follow link to see how the event was featured in the New Vision: http://www.newvision.co.ug/article/fullstory.aspx?story_id=18772&catid=3&mid=53&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Submitted By Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Action For Development