Action For Development

Peaceful coexistence starts with conversation.

In Kakindo, Kanyinya, and Kabweza, community members sat together to talk about everyday realities. Parenting, human rights, gender equality, and how to live well with each other.

As the conversations deepened, the focus shifted to livelihoods. Mr. Frank Abigaba from Kyegegwa Subcounty encouraged community members to register their savings groups and connect with the subcounty to access support. He also shared how programmes like the Parish Development Model can help improve incomes.

The discussion naturally turned to relationships within the community. People spoke about the link between host communities and refugees. The markets they share. The work they depend on. And the need to keep that balance.

There are also honest reflections from parents as school dropout cases rise. In some areas, there are early signs of change, with fewer GBV and child-related cases being reported.

These conversations may seem simple, but they are shaping how communities support each other and move forward together.

Laws are not neutral, they shape power, inclusion, and justice.

The proposed Sovereignty Bill raises serious concerns about shrinking civic space at a time when women’s rights organizations are addressing GBV, economic inequality, and access to justice.

Limiting this work risks silencing women and marginalized voices.

At ACFODE, we believe sovereignty must protect those most at risk, not restrict them.
Their voices matter. Their work matters.

We held our Annual General Meeting where members came together to reflect on our journey, celebrate milestones, and renew our commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment.

We extend our appreciation to all members who joined us and especially those who participated in the celebrations.

A special moment of the day came from member Matwiré Jessica, who shared her gratitude, noting that ACFODE has added a meaningful “brick” to her life’s journey.

She also applauded Ms. Regina Bafaki, our Executive Director, for her dedicated leadership recognizing that steering the organization forward is no small task.

Strengthening our impact through learning and reflection.

We held a half-day capacity building workshop focused on Outcome Mapping and Outcome Harvesting, alongside reflecting on lessons learned from previous trainings, including AI & Digital Skills and Environment & Green Entrepreneurship.

This session meant to create space for reflection, knowledge sharing, and strengthening how we design, implement, and measure our programs.

Special shout-out to Ms. Joy Dinah Israel who facilitated the workshop

Because meaningful impact is not just about what we do, it’s about how well we learn, adapt, and grow.
Building stronger systems for lasting change.

Through our Transformative Socio-Cultural Change Programme,
Action For Development continues to work with commissioned couples within communities to challenge harmful social norms, foster open dialogue, and strengthen pathways for both prevention and response.

Each conversation sparked, each mindset transformed, and each life reached brings us closer to building safer, more inclusive communities where women and girls can live free from violence.

Ending SGBV is not the responsibility of a few, it requires all of us, I challenge you today to be the next voice!

Today, ACFODE is facilitating a Staff Capacity Building Workshop on Environment and Green Entrepreneurship.

This session is an opportunity for members of staff to strengthen knowledge and build practical skills around environmental sustainability, while exploring how green entrepreneurship can support more resilient communities.

Join the conversation by commenting on what is your understanding of Environment and Green Entrepreneurship?

Across communities in Tororo, Arua, and Amudat, ACFODE is engaging out-of-school girls, parents, teachers, and community leaders in dialogues on:
GBV prevention, violence against children, positive parenting, access to services, and keeping girls in school.

Over 600 pupils, teachers, and school administrators have been reached with life-changing information on body autonomy, the forms of violence children face, the importance of education, and referral pathways for support.

Because of these ongoing conversations, a number of girls have been encouraged to return to school and continue pursuing their education.

One such moment of hope was seen at Apuwayi Primary School, where Ms. Happy Ainomugisha handed over scholastic materials to the headmistress to support a girl now back in Primary Six after being encouraged to resume her studies.

When girls are supported, informed, and listened to, they are better able to reclaim their future.

ACFODE hosted a Knowledge Café at Skyz Hotel Protea on 25th March, 2026, bringing together academia, CSOs, media, development partners, government representatives, and women- and youth-led organizations for an important conversation on women’s participation in peace processes and decision-making, barriers limiting women’s participation in peace processes and decision making processes among others.

The message was clear: women’s leadership must not only be recognized, but intentionally protected, strengthened and supported.

We were honored to have Stella Mystica Sabiiti, former Team Leader at the African Union, deliver the keynote address. Her presentation highlighted the importance of adopting gender-transformative approaches to advance women’s leadership, participation and influence in peacebuilding and decision-making processes.

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who joined us in driving this critical conversation forward. Our hope is that the discussions and insights shared today will move beyond the conference room and inspire real action toward inclusive leadership and sustainable peace.

Under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 Project, ACFODE continues to create safe spaces for girls to learn, share, and be empowered.

We held a Safe Space Meeting in Bulingo Parish, Maira LC1, Maju Village, Kyegegwa District, reaching 80 out-of-school girls with important conversations on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Violence Against Children (VAC), and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).

The session helped participants understand the difference between gender and s*x, while also deepening their awareness of GBV, VAC, and SRHR. Many girls openly shared their experiences, and it emerged that a number of them had limited knowledge on SRHR, with some revealing that menstruation-related challenges contributed to dropping out of school.

Our facilitators also shared guidance on accessing health services and menstrual hygiene management, equipping the girls with practical knowledge to better manage their health and wellbeing.

For many of the girls, especially those out of school, this was a rare and valuable opportunity to access life-changing information.

Every girl deserves knowledge, dignity, safety, and the chance to thrive.

On Tuesday, 24th March, 2026, we joined hands with community members and local leaders in Church Zone, Kamwokya II Parish for a community clean-up activity held in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026.

Under the theme “Scaling up investment to accelerate access to justice for all women and girls in Uganda,” the activity highlighted the important link between environmental protection, health, safety and justice for women and girls.

Together, we cleaned shared spaces, promoted responsible waste management, and raised awareness on GBV prevention and peaceful co-existence through dialogue and drama.
We thank everyone who took part in making the day meaningful and impactful.
A clean community is a safer, healthier and more dignified community for all. 🌍🧹

🚨 Happening TODAY at 3:00 PM (EAT) prompt via this link: https://x.com/i/spaces/1dGYljzLqMDKX?s=20

Join ACFODE for an X Space on ending online violence against women and girls; a timely, solution-driven conversation bringing together key individuals and organizations working on the ground to address this issue.

The discussion table will feature:

🟢 Sandra Kwikiriza, Executive Director - HER Internet; unpacking the current state of online violence in Uganda, including emerging trends, manifestations, and its impact on women and girls.

🟢 Rose Assiimwe, Senior Superintendent of and Head SGBV/TIP Department - Uganda Police Force; speaking on justice pathways, reporting mechanisms, and available support services for survivors

🟢 Rev. Nathan Mugalu Balirwana, a renowned National Male and Religious Champion on and Women’s Rights; exploring the role of men as allies in prevention, accountability, and culture change

💬 Expect a practical, action-oriented discussion on how we can collectively create safer digital spaces for women and girls.

We look forward to having you join us 🙂