Action For Development

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. 🌍🧹