CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM OF THE INTERNATIO​NAL CONFERENCE ON THE GREAT LAKES REGION (ICGLR)

In December 2010, at the request of the ICGLR Regional Women’s Forum, Heads of State agreed to dedicate a special session on the problem of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and this is going to be fulfilled in the upcoming Heads of State meeting due next week. One day of the Summit will be specifically devoted to a Special Session on SGBV under the theme: “United to Prevent, End Impunity and Provide Support to the Victims of SGBV in the Great Lakes Region.”

In preparation for the Special Session, national, regional and international human rights organizations based in Kenya and Uganda have spearheaded a regional process to mobilize civil society organizations in the Great Lakes region to participate in deliberations leading up to the Summit.

The CSO Engagement, which is taking place from today the 9th of December 2011 to the 10th at Speke Resort Munyonyo is aimed at promoting clear and consistent messaging on SGBV experiences and demands to Heads of State for immediate commitment and tangible action, empowering local and national women’s rights groups in the region to speak for themselves, and to ensure that their voices are heard at high level decision making platforms, and are in line with international and regional treaties and agreements. This engagement will involve a number of activities namely; parallel sessions on SGBV in the Great Lakes region, presidential mock debate, and an exhibition.

As CSOs in the Great Lakes region, and as actors of social change, we consider this as a good opportunity for our leaders to provide a lasting solution to the problem of SGBV.

We therefore strongly urge them to be at the frontline of the fight against Sexual Gender Based Violence, and to:

• Declare Zero Tolerance Now on SGBV crimes and impunity
• Allocate specific and adequate funding for SGBV prevention programmes within a Gender Responsive Budgeting Framework
• Institutionalise, early warning and response to SGBV, in collaboration with the security community policing in the prevention service sector
• Establish an independent Regional Impunity Monitoring Unit by the next Summit of the Heads of State, to thereafter report on progress annually to the ICGLR Ordinary Summit of Heads of State
• Adopt a comprehensive SGBV performance framework (in the form of an Index or Barometer) with clear standards and targets, with opportunity for civil society to present shadow or parallel reports.
• Establish national Reparation Funds for survivors of SGBV by the next ICGLR Ordinary Summit of Heads of State.

The Civil Society Planning Committee is compromises of; Action for Development (ACFODE), Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD), ActionAid International, African Women’s Development and Communication Networ (FEMNET), Akina Mama Wa Afrika (AMWA), CARE, CCPAU, East African Sub-regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI), International Refugee Rights Initiative (IRRI), Isis-Women’s Cross-Cultural Exchange (Isis-WICCE), National Association of Women’s Organisations in Uganda (NAWOU), Regional Associates for Community Initiatives (RACI), and Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET).

Submitted by Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer.

Action For Development

ACFODE CELEBRATES 26TH ANNIVERSARY

On the 18^th of November 2011, ACFODE celebrated 26 years of existence. Reasons for celebration were as varied as the women on mother earth. We celebrated because more women and girls have been empowered socially, politically and economically as they learn to read and write and, often for the first time, since the state and families are investing in girls' education. We were also pleased that women are living longer and healthier lives and that more of us are surviving childbirth as we gain greater access to health care and reproductive services. We also see throughout Uganda that women are discovering a new level of economic independence. They're contributing more to their families and communities. They're gaining access to credit and jobs that can give them a decent standing of living.

ACFODE Day was s a day to commemorate women's struggle for change, to celebrate the progress ACFODE has made towards improvement of quality of life of women, and to lay a strategy for the future. It was also a day for reaffirming ACFODE’s commitment to the liberation of women, and to the promotion of the gender equality agenda.

It is heartening that the day was, and continues to be marked annually by ACFODE staff, members and beneficiaries. This year, ACFODE hit a land mark of 26 years in existence; and celebrated being at the front lines in the battle for women’ empowerment through advocacy for the protection of their rights and dignity as it is the mother of women’s empowerment in this country.

The day was graced with Women Members of Parliament, CSO representatives, representatives from the donor community, dignitaries from the government, as well as ACFODE members, staff and beneficiaries. Among the many action packed events was a Press Conference on VAW & Peace, cultural entertainment from Rainbow House of Hope, and a dinner which was companied by jazz music from Ife.

Remarks were given by ACFODE’s Chairperson Ms. Gertrude Ssekabira, the Executive Director Ms. Regina Bafaki, and one of the founder members Dr. Hilda Tadria – all of whom commended the ACFODE fraternity for the work well done.

Being an ACFODE beneficiary herself, the Guest of Honor Hon. Rose Mary Nyakikongoro (Vice Chair person of Uganda Women Parliamentarians) applauded ACFODE for changing the lives of many women in Uganda by helping elevate their social, political and economic status. “I worked with ACFODE, and my stay here mentored me in so many things. I partly attribute my success today to ACFODE. I learnt a lot to do with women’s rights and empowerment from ACFODE and it never left me the same. I promise to even renew my membership very soon,” noted Rose Mary amidst much cheering. She also called upon all women organizations to devise means of working together to move women’s issues and also to reflect on how Uganda can embrace the peace everyone is talking about. “We need to work together to enjoy the peace we want to have” She further noted.

As of now, ACFODE still stands to challenge the government, female and male politicians, the media, Ugandan men and women, and other key stakeholders in this country to be mindful of the numerous challenges still faced by the Ugandan women.

Notably are; the high maternal mortality rate due to inadequate health facilities, difficulties in accessing education leading to high illiteracy rates where only 53% of females are literate compared 61 %males, injustice, unfavorable credit schemes and lack of other basic services. Women still trek long distances to fetch water and fuel wood and majority of them are still the beasts of burden. They literary keeps the fire burning within the families and the communities. Though women are more than 50% of the Ugandan population, only 16%- 21% own land; though they till and contribute greatly to the economic advancement of their families and the nation, their value is not recognized nor appreciated.

Violence against women in all its forms is also still meted against women, both within the private and public sphere yet justice still eludes them. The abject poverty experienced by the women also contributes to their vulnerability to violence and increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, the physical trauma of violence and sexual assault impacts scars and unimaginable emotional damage on many women while the culture of silence leaves the perpetrators un- apprehended.

We take this opportunity to thank all those who collaborated with us to make this day a success. Our special appreciation goes to EIRENEN, one of our development partners who funded this celebration. The struggle for gender equality and equity is still on, and calls for togetherness as we strive to achieve social justice, and peace in our homes and in this nation. Let us not lose the focus.

Click to view a pictorial of the whole event; https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.285668788135568.58689.175465652489216&type=1

Submitted By Sandra Nassali

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Action For Development

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