“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

Updates on the EU Funded Project, “Action for Strengthening Good Governance and Accountability in Uganda”

This project is being carried out through a partnership between Konrad Adeneur Shiftung (KAS) and Action for Development (ACFODE)

Inception workshop:

Following the start of the project “Action for Strengthening Good Governance and Accountability in Uganda”, an inception and management workshop was held from Tuesday 13^th- Thursday 15^th September 2011 at Kabira Country Club to orient the Project Team on the project idea and concept as well as give a detailed introduction of objectives, results and activities of the project. Also carried out was a review of the project application. An update of the activity plan for the next 12 months with a detailed description, division of responsibilities between partners was also carried out.

Pre-visits by members of the Project team to the Districts where the Action is to be implemented:

Members of the Project Team concluded pre-visits in the districts of Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro, Jinja, Kiboga, Pallisa, Soroti, as well as in Lira, Pader and Arua in the North. The pre-visits aimed at introducing the project to the major stakeholders and to inform them of the planned project activities. In meetings with the district leadership the ground was laid for effective communication and fruitful cooperation towards achieving the project objectives.

While the training materials are currently being developed, the pre-visits have provided a starting point for effective communication and cooperation in the planning towards the first training activities at district level which will kick-off early next year.

Submitted By Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Action For Development

ARISE MAGAZINE IS ON - SUBMIT ARTICLE NOW!

We are happy to announce that issue 51 for the Arise Magazine is on!!

The theme for this issue is: “From Economic Crunch to Social Meltdown – Impact of the Global Economic Recession and How We Can Cope with it.”

Though Uganda has actually been ranked the 3rd among countries with the highest growth rate following China and Peru (growing at an average of 6.7 per cent for the last 20 years), it has been said by many that the country is experiencing an economic recession- a business cycle contraction and a general slowdown in economic activity.

Production, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), employment, investment spending, capacity utilization, household incomes, business profits, and inflation have all fallen, while bankruptcies and the unemployment rate are on the rise.

Other problems include: low levels of productivity low export performance and high import levels and of late, the country has also experienced a drastic depreciation of the Shilling, which have combined to make life almost impossible even for the hitherto high income earners

This has resulted in social unrest emanating from the severely deprived groups of people as they groan in poverty and lack; notwithstanding the fact that many the harsh economic situation occasioned by sky rocketing prices of goods and services, amidst high rates of unemployment.

This issue of the Arise will for that reason aim at proposing ways on how ordinary Ugandans, especially women can go about the recession because many economic experts assert that this situation is bound to go on for the next two years. People, especially women thus need ideas, guidelines or even solutions on how to cope with this situation.

This notification is there to request you submit articles in relation to the above aforementioned.

Articles with the following credentials should be submitted:

· Articles that have 800-1000 words with innovative, practical and creative ideas/ writing skills

· Photographs with high resolution to support submitted information

· Pass port photo of the writer (high resolution) with any other relevant information i.e. work place, job description and email address

Deadline for submission is 26^th October. Articles challenging the theme as also very welcome

In case of any inquires/ more info, send email to snassali@acfode.org / sandra.nssl@gmail.com

Looking forward to a positive response from you

FYI: Arise Magazine highlights and disseminates information regarding the advancement of women and also serves to build confidence in women and enhance their positive image in society, and to facilitate change of attitudes that hinder women’s advancement and emancipation. It also highlights achievements, best practices and the challenges that gender activism encounters locally, nationally and internationally. Publications started in 1991 and so far, 50 issues, covering the entire range of the gender equality and equity subject, have been published.

Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Action For Development

ACFODE CELEBRATES WORLD PEACE DAY

On 21^st September 2011, ACFODE joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

The celebrations which were marked under the theme “A COUNTRY IS ONLY IN PEACE IF EACH WOMAN ENJOYS A PEACEFUL LIFE” were extraordinarily outstanding and absorbing.

The objectives were to: celebrate the World Peace Day in Uganda, advocate for the enactment of the sexual offences bill as a means to ensure a peaceful environment for women and girls, and to bring together women and peace focused CSOs from all over Uganda to raise awareness on peace as an issue of women’s rights.

The celebrations featured the launch of an International Exhibition, a March for Peace and a Peace Concert later in the evening. The Walk for Peace was mainly attended by women, men and children who had solidarity for peace with Hon. Betty Bigombe - the State Minister for Water and renowned peace negotiator being the Chief Walker. International and local NGOs, and women activists were also well represented during the Walk for Peace.

After the March, participants were welcomed by enthusiastic exhibitors from like minded civil society organizations, women`s groups and private companies. These showcased their work, interacted amongst themselves and shared opinions with the general public. The exhibition was attended by over 35 organisations with the likes of Song factory X majorly dealing in song production, concert performances and jingles productions, Dezy Business Solutions dealing in furniture and office stationeries, Forever Living which deals in health products, Celebrity Magazine and AFRIPADS, showcasing their goods and services. Among the NGOS, we had representation from UWONET, DENIVA, UMWA, BAHAI FAITH, KYC (Kawempe Youth Centre), East African Counseling Institute, FAWE, UMDF, Rafiki Theatre, UYONET, and Rainbow House of Hope among others.

The Chief Guest Ms. Franziska Roetzer from GIZ and Dr. Jones Kyazze - ACFODE's Chairperson for the Board of Trustees launched the International Peace Exhibition that was basically meant to share visions of peace in regards to youth and women’s rights. This was done by signing on the Peace Quilt.

There were various forms of entertainment for the day from the likes of Rainbow House of Hope (Rafiki Theatre Performers) who acted a play based on domestic violence, and a musical performance from Kisuule Primary School. Later, the evening was graced with musical performances from the Blood Brothers Reggae Band and Dr. Tee. To make the celebrations more rewarding, we had other supplementary activities for example - a Candle Light Vigil, Talent Search Iinterludes and a Peace Concert where Angela Kalule, a popular local artist launched a specially composed peace song “I Wanna Be Free” alongside her other famous hits like Katikitiki and Kakondo. The celebrations ended with a Dance for Peace, and this saw participants doing all kinds of jigs to harmonious living.

The International Day of Peace was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982. By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this. ACFODE is very proud for having associated herself to this cause.

Our special thanks go out to all those that participated in the Walk for Peace, and in other supplementary activities that were organized on the Peace Day. Your involvement did not only make the celebrations more colorful, but also amazingly exceptional. And in a special way, we would like to thank EIRENE, GIZ, WAVAH WATER, MILLENIUM SUPERMARKET and the various Media Houses for the very generous sponsorship they gave to support our noble cause of celebrating World Peace Day.

We are very grateful to all of you and to even those that that involved themselves in making this day a success. We hope that this is the beginning of a continued partnership.

Click to see pictorial of the whole event: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.253025348066579.53056.175465652489216&type=1

Submitted By Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Action For Development