Action For Development

In Kyegegwa District, ACFODE brought spouses of newly elected women councillors into the conversation on women’s leadership.

Through safe space and male engagement sessions, spouses reflected on the attitudes, expectations and responsibilities that can either support or make it harder for women to lead.

For some, the conversation changed their perspective.

“This training has opened my eyes. I will now assist and support my wife so that she can effectively perform her roles as a woman councillor.” — Mr. Byemerwa

For others, support meant sharing responsibilities at home and creating the time and space their wives need to serve their communities.

Mr. Begondeza also committed to supporting his wife despite their different political affiliations:

“I have agreed to support her to perform well in the council and serve our community.”

The conversation did not stop in Amolatar and Kaberamaido. It is also about what happens at home, in families and within communities.

ACFODE is working with women leaders, their spouses and communities to challenge harmful stereotypes, promote shared responsibilities and create an environment where women can participate and lead effectively.

Because a seat at the table matters, but having the support to use that seat matters too.

A seat at the council table is only the beginning.
What matters is what happens once you get there.

Last week, newly elected women and youth leaders in Kaberamaido and Amolatar Districts strengthened their understanding of local government planning, budgeting, council procedures, accountability and service delivery.

They didn't just sit through presentations. They practised how to participate in council sessions, raise community priorities and push for issues to be considered in planning and budgets.

In Amolatar, women and youth councilors also formed three caucuses and developed three-month action plans around priority issues in their communities.

Because representation should lead to participation. And participation should lead to action.

With support from the Swedish Foundation for Human Rights and the Swedish Institute, ACFODE is supporting newly elected leaders to step into their roles with greater knowledge, confidence and a stronger understanding of the communities they represent.

The term has begun. Now the work begins.

Leadership is not just about having a seat at the table. It is about using that seat to influence decisions that improve people’s lives.

ACFODE is conducting a two-day district-level induction for newly elected women and youth leaders in Kaberamaido and Amolatar districts, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills to participate meaningfully in local governance.

The training is strengthening their understanding of local government structures, their roles as councillors, council procedures, oversight and how to effectively raise the priorities of the communities they represent.

A key message from the sessions has been the need to move from mere participation to meaningful influence, particularly on issues affecting women, youth and other community members whose voices can easily be overlooked.

The leaders have committed to staying accountable to their constituents, strengthening community engagement, monitoring government programmes and ensuring community priorities inform council planning, budgeting and decisions.

When women and young people are equipped to lead, communities gain stronger voices in the decisions that shape their future.

Imagine being told that beating your wife is justified. Now imagine knowing that even when survivors find the courage to report, justice may still be out of reach.

In Uganda, up to 44% of women and 41% of men believed there were situations where a man was justified in beating his wife. And among r**e cases reported to police in 2017, only 30% were taken to court, with just 1.5% resulting in a conviction.

At no point should violence be justified. Silence must never be mistaken for acceptance and reporting violence should lead to justice, not another dead end.

When violence becomes “acceptable”, everyone pays the price!

Behind every number is a person who may need support.

A young person struggling with their mental health.
A child who has dropped out of school.
A teenage girl facing pregnancy.
A family dealing with conflict, separation or reduced support.

These are not just statistics. They are people, families and communities that need support before challenges become crises.

At recent Education, Protection, GBV and Mental Health coordination meetings, ACFODE and partners explored how to respond earlier and better.

For ACFODE, the focus is clear: engage more men, support children to return to school, strengthen referral pathways, and create safer conversations around mental health and su***de prevention.

And each of us can play a part.
Check in. Listen. Speak up. Encourage. Refer.

Because sometimes, noticing that someone is struggling is where support begins.

What was happening at ACFODE in June and July?

From supporting women and girls in their communities to advancing climate justice, preventing GBV, strengthening women’s leadership and creating spaces for young people to speak up, June and July were action packed.

Our June–July Newsletter brings together some of the stories, activities and moments that shaped the past two months.

📖 See what we’ve been working on. https://t.co/Qv4FcF01t7

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Monitoring visits are an important part of ensuring that training translates into meaningful change.

They allow organisations to assess progress, listen to participants and understand how knowledge and skills are being applied in real-life situations.

During a recent monitoring visit, ACFODE engaged boda boda riders who had received training on conflict management, peaceful coexistence and financial discipline.

The riders shared how the training is helping them manage conflict without retaliation, communicate more respectfully and promote transparency in their families.

One of them shared how the skills gained helped riders choose peace following the loss of a colleague, preventing a situation that could have escalated into further violence.

For ACFODE, these reflections provide valuable insight into the changes taking place beyond the training room.

As we start another week, many of us are thinking about work, income and the responsibilities that come with it.

For many women, having an income of their own can change more than what is in their wallet.

It can mean being able to contribute to household expenses, make decisions about how money is used, invest in a child’s education, grow a small business or plan for the future with greater confidence.

Economic empowerment is not simply about earning an income. It is about having choices, agency and the ability to shape your own life.

As we go about our work and daily responsibilities this week, it is worth asking:

What becomes possible when women have greater control over the resources they earn?

When Winfred Mukandinda left ACFODE's training, she had one goal: make sure more women knew their rights and where to turn for help.

Today, she and her team are holding regular community conversations on land rights and violence against women and children.

Women who once suffered in silence are finding the courage to speak up, while community structures are helping ensure cases don't go unnoticed.

Perhaps the biggest change is this: people are beginning to learn from each other.

Families are choosing healthier ways of living, local role models are inspiring change, and conversations that once felt impossible are now happening openly.

This is Winfred's story. One of many stories showing that when knowledge reaches the right hands, it spreads.