Preparations for the Inter Institution Debate Competitions Kicked Off in Western Uganda

The debate trainings that took place from the 12th -18th March 2012 , in the Western Uganda under the theme “ Gender equality and Good Governance ”were kicked off on a very interesting and lively note .As the students from the different institutions took to the stage, names like Ms.Jennifer Musisi ,Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Ms. Maggie Kigozi and Ms Allen Kagina could be heard over and over again .It was interesting and exciting to note that names like these are slowly replacing names such as Hon. Miria Matembe and Winnie Byanyima that have dominated the various debates on women’s contribution to the fabric of Uganda.


The debates trainings involved 5 higher institutions of learning in Western Uganda namely; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Mutorere Nursing School in Kisoro, Kabale University and Kabale National Teachers’ College. These trainings were held in preparation for the Western region debate tournament due to take place on the 24th and 25th March 2012 in Mbarara district.

The debates are implemented in line with one of ACFODE’s projects - Empowered to Act: Enhancing Youth and Women’s Effective Participation in Politics and Decision Making that is supported by Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS). Under this project, ACFODE uses the debate approach to build the capacity of youths and women leaders so that they can effectively participate in the promotion of gender equality and good governance since they are mentored into eloquent, articulate and fast thinking individuals.

During the trainings, students showed much enthusiasm and commitment, and expressed their gratitude to ACFODE for involving them (youth) in her programming. They noted that this would go along away in informing them about the strides being made in the promotion of gender equality and good governance at the national and community level.
They said that this experience would not only boost their self esteem, but would enrich their analytical and presentation skills as well because for the most of them, this was going to be the first time they ever expressed themselves before a big audience.


ACFODE believes that this initiative that involves empowering young people is worth taking on because it’s not until young people who are the adults of tomorrow are inculcated into understanding the equality between women and men, and girls and boys, that efforts to bring about gender equality in society will continue to face formidable huddles.

At the beginning of the trainings, the students exhibited weak argumentation and analytical skills but as the trainings carried on, their skills improved immensely and they started presenting coherent and well thought out arguments. And although female debaters were given priority, male participants were equally encouraged to participant.

At the end of the trainings, participants were given a number of information, communication, and education materials (ICEs) on gender and good governance so that they do ample research in preparation for the debate tournament that is due to take place this weekend in Mbarara.

We promise to keep you posted about the tournament outcomes.

Compiled by
Daphine Agaba
Programs Assistant
Human Rights & Governance Department
Action For Development
Email: agabad@acfode.org

Civil Society Representatives in Kabale trained on Good Governance and Accountability

Between 26th-29th February 2012, 18 civil society representatives from Kabale district were trained as trainers to effectively conduct grassroots civic education under the project “Action for strengthening Good Governance and Accountability in Uganda,” which is being implemented by ACFODE in partnership KAS in 11 districts across the country.



Under the facilitation of Perry Aritua, Director of Women’s Democracy Network - Uganda Chapter, participants were equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge on how to plan and implement civic education activities at grass root level. What was most impressive about this vibrant group was the fact that they showed commitment to use already existing systems in their organizations and their communities to carry out civic education. Many suggested the use of local community groups and places of worship as spaces in which they could talk about issues of democracy promotion.

During the training, it was also suggested by participants that CSOs adjust the governing structures within their organizations to support the values of good governance and accountability so as to enable them operate more smoothly, and to give them credibility as organizations that promote such noble values. Another recommendation was that the CSOs include programmes on civic education in their organizational strategic plans.

On the issue of lack of resources to mobilize community members to attend these trainings, it was suggested that they use influential community members to pull in the masses.

Because of the fact that the CSO actors were conversant with procedures on how to make entry into a community to conduct activities including civic education, the ACFODE team is confident that they will successfully deliver when it comes to conducting civic education at the grassroots.

In the month of April, the trained CSO actors in groups of 4 will be facilitated to carryout grassroots civic education with the guidance of the civic education toolkit which was developed by ACFODE and KAS. The grassroots training will be carried out in the sub counties of Muko, Bubaare, Kyanamira and Ikumba in Kabale district.

Compiled by
Sheila Kinaheirwe
Project Officer – Action For Strengthening Good Governance and Accountability in Uganda
Action For Development
Tel: +256 792 737625
Email: acfode.kinaheirwe@gmail.com

TRAINING OF YOUTH GROUP LEADERS AND CHILD MOTHERS IN LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY

Recently, ACFODE organized a two days training workshop in Leadership and Advocacy for youth group leaders and child mothers in Apac district. The activity was implemented in line with the Nurturing Young Trees to make a Thick Forest project that is being implemented by ACFODE in partnership with ACORD, APPCAN, and VSO with support from Comic Relief.

The training; which took place from the 6th to the 7th of March 2012 brought together a total of 12 participants of which 6 were child mothers and 6 were youth group leaders; some of which were from Akokoro Sub County and the others from the Town council.

Its main objective was to empower participants with skills in leadership and advocacy so that they are able to effectively engage in monitoring service delivery processes in the district. Youth and child mothers were targeted specifically because this unique category of people has been left out in a number of development initiatives.

During the training, participants were exposed to a number of skills in regard to leadership and advocacy, and with information that would enable them to ably participate and benefit from development initiatives like NUSAF 11, NAADs, and the PRDP among others.

They commended the initiative/ project since it presented them with the opportunity of participating in, and benefiting from numerous development initiatives. One of the participants (a child mother) by the names of Acen Scovia confessed that there has never been any development program targeting child mothers particularly and was therefore very grateful to ACFODE and other project partners for taking special interest in them regardless of the fact that they had been rejected by many in their local communities.

Some of the issues that emerged during the training include; lack of development programs that specifically target the youth, and also ignorance about available opportunities. They also requested for more trainings in other areas like conflict management, networking, and proposal development among others.

NB: This project seeks 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 focuses on improving protection and legal services for the children, providing sustainable alternative livelihoods opportunities to child mothers, effectively engaging youth with duty bearers, and also increasing the capacity of key actors to address the needs of children and youth in conflict affected areas.

Compiled by
Ofwono Salume
Project Officer – ACFODE
Nurturing Young Trees to Make a Thick Forest
Email: ofsalume@yahoo.com

What is your say/wish for this Women’s Day? PLEASE READ & SHARE BACK!!!

International Women's Day (IWD) has been observed since in the early 1900's. It was started as a result of women realizing that they were unfairly treated. The women started debating on issues affecting them in Europe.

Since its birth in Europe, IWD has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, IWD (March 8th)has grown from strength to strength . In Uganda the day started in the early 1980`s. It was first requested for by the then First Lady Miria Obote to be made a public holiday in the country. She made the request during one of her annual state House speeches in Entebbe. The very first ever nationally commemorated IWD was in 1986.

This year, we are celebrating the day under the theme ““Inspiring Girls, Connecting Futures”
Please read what ACFODE staff has to say about this day. And at the end, please share with us in your own words what this day means to you and all women world over.

Regina Bafaki
Executive Director
Women’s Day is a day that should be used to acknowledge women’s achievements and recognize their deeds. On this day, we should pay tribute to the women who have lost their lives due to poor facilities, those who have lost their lives at the hands of their partners and those women who continue to suffer to bring food on their tables and yet are not acknowledged but rather shunned and tortured.

Women’s day should also be a time when we stalk of what the government and the different partners have done to advance women’s empowerment. However, despite the commitments and the domestication of the different treaties, programs put in place, there is still a challenge of their implementation and in all that is being done that is in decision making and policy making among others , where is the woman and are the roles of the women recognized?

And just like the theme states, we must keep connected with each other i.e. for age mates and future generations for purposes of mentoring, shared learning and supporting each other so that we make the future better. If we do not, the world will blame us and besides who will support us?

As we commemorate this day, we should also condemn greedy leaders, all acts of violence against women and girls, and cultural practices that dehumanize women.
Wishing everyone a happy Women’s Day!

Becky Murray
Social Policy Analyst
Sending love and positivity to all the women who are suffering in Uganda and elsewhere on International Women's Day 2012! I hope the work of ACFODE and organizations like her continues to effect change such that you and your daughters get to experience the freedom and happiness you deserve.

Patricia Otuka-Karner
Technical Assistant
The date of the International Women’s Day is quite significant. The female workers of a textile factory in New York started a strike to advocate for better living and working conditions. The owners of the factory locked them inside to limit solidarity with others and when a fire broke out, 129 of them died. I believe remembering this occasion every year as a symbol of the struggle of women all over the world is encouraging. Their bravery and commitment has to be acknowledged and we can gain strength from it to move our own cause forward.

Joyce Nabaloga
Finance & Administration Manager
Women are the real architects of society. Happy Women’s Day!!

Sandra Nassali
Public Relations & Communications Officer
I am proud to say that today in Uganda and world over; we have lots of women who share the ideal of creating a world where women can enjoy equal rights with men. They see their mission as helping fellow women, who can’t speak for themselves and who cannot keep promises of better and more egalitarian lives. They are living the legacy of women's rights that eight generations of women before us gave their best to achieve.

Women, acting together, adding their small stones to the grand mosaic, have increased their rights against all odds, nonviolently, from an initial position of powerlessness. They have a lot to be proud of in this heroic legacy, and a great deal to celebrate on this day. They have clearly been successful in irrevocably changing the circumstances and hopes of fellow women.

In the world of work, large numbers of women have entered the professions, the trades, and businesses of every kind. Ranks of the clergy, the politicians, the military, and the newsrooms among others have been opened up for women from their ‘traditional’ roles of house chores.

As women, we should be proud of these achievements.

However, though much has been accomplished, a lot still remains to be done since substantial barriers to the full equality of Africa's women still remains before our freedom.

So, Women’s Day should be one of those days that challenges all of us to tackle these remaining injustices in the courts and conference rooms, in homes and organizations, workplaces and playing fields of different states in the continent.

But with all of this going on, we should never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has as Alice Paul, that intrepid organizer who first wrote out the Equal Rights Amendment in 1923, said, "I always feel that the women’s movement is sort of a mosaic. Each of us puts in one little stone, and then you get a great mosaic at the end."

Happy Women’s Day people 



Sheila kinaheirwe
Project Officer
As we celebrate the constant struggles and accomplishments of women across the world on this day, let us remember to continue to pave way for the future generation of strong women because the small daily challenges we take on to make a difference in the lives of other women, can over time add up to big differences we may not have ever foreseen. Happy Women’s Day!

Margaret Ssebunya
Programs Assistant
To all women and girls in Uganda and the world at large, Happy Women’s Day!!
In as much as we have registered a number of achievements in many areas, there are very many challenges still affecting us and hindering the realization of our rights. However, we have a number of unexploited potentials and opportunities to embrace. As our theme for the year states “Inspiring Girls, Connecting Futures” I call upon all Ugandans in their different capacities to inspire the girl child to enjoy a better future.

Rachael Mpiriirwe
Assistant Project Officer
Happy Women’s day! We have come a long way and we do really need to celebrate this day because we hold the future of this nation. Happy Women’s Day every one!!

Evas Korugyendo
Accounts Assistant
This time round, let us focus on women’s empowerment through social and economic security. Happy Women’s Day!!

Hellen Mirembe
Administrative Assistant
International women’s Day is a day to recognize women’s rights that have been violated for years so that they can be appreciated. Bravo to all the women in the world!

Ssekirevu Andrew
Volunteer
After 50years of Uganda’s independence, there is no better to say that women in Uganda are proud of their achievements. I wish all the women of Uganda a happy International Women’s Day and fight to be heard. BIG UP!

Belinda Kyomuhendo
Volunteer
The woman and girls of Uganda have come a long way…. Congratulations!! But there is still a long way to go. Let’s not give up. Happy Women’s Day!!

Esther Namitala
Volunteer
If you could see it from my perspective, you would know that you are one GEM of a woman! Happy Women’s Day!!

Robinah Nafuna
Office Assistant
Despite the miles moved by women, they are still mistreated by their husbands. Therefore they should work harder to ensure that they achieve their dreams, should stop mistreating and abandoning their children but instead love them, and as they aim at achieving all these, they should not forget their families and their roles. Happy Women’s Day!

Ainomugisha Happy
Volunteer
Bravo women of Uganda but don’t forget the fight is for your rights is still on. Therefore, I encourage you to stay focused and keep on the road.

So, what is your say/wish? We can't wait to hear it!!

Complied by:
Sandra Nassali
Andrew Ssekirevu
Esther Namitala
Public Relations & Communications Department
Action For Development

ACFODE to implement a new project on “Prevention and Handling of Cases of Sexual Violence against Girls and Women”

With funding from EIRENE, ACFODE has for the last 3 years been implementing a project entitled “Prevention of Sexualized Violence against Women and Girls” in Kisoro and Pallisa districts. The project sought to enable women and girls to realize their full potential by living a life free from sexual violence (rape, defilement and any other form of sexual harassment) since more often than not, women and girls are affected extremely by such evil acts.

Last year however, the first phase of the project came to an end.

Nonetheless, we are more than pleased to report EIRENE has offered to support ACFODE in another phase of this project that will run for the next 3 years i.e. 2012/2014.

The new project entitled “Prevention and Handling of Cases of Sexual Violence against Girls and Women” will focus on Kisoro District and will put a spotlight on national level advocacy and enforcement of women’s rights in Uganda.

The project’s main objective is to contribute to supporting women’s rights and banning discrimination against women through public institutions in Uganda. Its goal is to ensure that women and girls in Kisoro are socially and culturally empowered to enforce their rights and suffer less from sexual violence.

Amongst the main activities planned for this year is the opening of an ACFODE chapter in Kisoro Town. Since there is no other organisation working directly with human- and women’s rights in Kisoro we saw the urgent need to do so. ACFODE will have one project staff based in Kisoro. S/he will be well versed with local conditions and able to speak the local language. S/he will also be supported by a counsellor for psychosocial support and possible legal advice. This will fill a great gap i.e. service delivery and will also enable women and girls in Kisoro to enforce their rights and suffer less from sexual violence.

Cooperation with the existing CODERASH (COmbating DEfilement, RApe and Sexual Harassment) will be continued and new committees in other sub-counties will be founded. This is because the intervention proved very successful in the first phrase of project implementation since many cases of sexualised violence were been handled, followed up and prevented through the efforts of the CODERASH Committees. Also, a strong focus on strengthening relations with school environments will be set. Already, the project has a good partnership with the inspectorate of schools. This however has been trickled down to the actual school communities since sexualised violence within their settings is still rampant.

Kisoro was selected because it was one of the marginalised districts in the country in terms of interventions meant to battle sexualized violence. This coupled with its common borders with Rwanda and the DRC challenges the project with its uniqueness. In this instance, ACFODE will study the cross-border issues and try to incorporate them in this project for further impact.

Beneficiaries are the girls and women of Kisoro who are affected by sexual violence. In the extended target group there are further members of government as well as all men and women in the project area who are to be informed about human and especially women’s rights through awareness-raising measures therefore ensuring less crimes and a more stable and safe society for everyone. On the national level, female and male members of parliament are one of the most important target groups since ACFODE will need their support when it comes to lobbying laws and policies aimed at preventing violence against women and girls.

Already, ACFODE has received technical support for the project from EIRENE. Recently, colleagues from EIRENE Germany, Mr Martin Lohnecke and Ms Iris Bildhauer came for a visit at ACFODE/Uganda to see the good work done during the last three years and to also discuss further prospects. Both were impressed by ACFODE’s efforts, results and the high motivation of the secretariat!

Feel free to get in touch with us in case of recommendations or queries. We promise to keep you posted on future activities.

Sincerely,
Patricia Otuka-Karner
Technical Assitant EIRENE – ACFODE
patriciakarner@hotmail.com