On the 14th of June 2012, ACFODE officially launched a regional field office in western Uganda. The office, located in the town council of Kisoro district was formally opened by Mr. Aheebwa Godfrey - the Deputy Resident District Commission in Kisoro.
Among the distinguished guests at the launch were; the District Chairperson Mr. Bazanye Milton, the District Internal Security Officer – Mr. Babishenga, and the District Speaker Mr. Hakizimana Amos.
Guests at the launch
Several other representatives from local government and the private sector including civil society actors, representatives from the academia as well as the media, the police and from the community were in attendance.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Bazanye noted that, 'I really appreciate ACFODE for bringing her presence closer in this region, and mostly importantly to the people of Kisoro. For us, this is a dream come true given the fact that gender inequality and violence against women continues to be a formidable force in the region. Here in Kisoro, it is a common phenomenon to learn about, or hear about incidences of rape, defilement, and forced marriages. It is therefore important that at least we have a referral to give to victims and survivors of VAW, which has not been the case in the past. Therefore on behalf of government, I plague our support in all your endeavors."
Cultural dancers entertaining guests
The office is being supported by EIRENE, one of ACFODE's development partners. Among other services, it will be offering psycho-social counseling to women and girls who have fallen victim to sexualized violence, legal advice, and community sensitization on women's rights. The office will also undertake and facilitate community-led advocacy initiatives. These services fall under the EIRENE supported project titled: Prevention and Handling of Cases of Sexual Violence against Women and Girls – which seeks to advocate for women and girls' rights so that they are socially and culturally empowered to demand for what is rightfully theirs, and to also suffer less from violence.
The Deputy RDC signing in the visitors book
Other projects that ACFODE is currently implementing in the western region and particularly in Kisoro district include; Action for Strengthening Good Governance and Accountability in Uganda, and Enhancing Effective Youth and Women Participation in Politics and Decision Making.
Sandra Nassali
Public Relations & Communications Officer
Action For Development
Email: snassali@acfode.org
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