Action for Development

Movements don’t weaken because the work is too big. They weaken when the people behind them are not supported. The DVA Coalition spent 3 days at ACFODE House strengthening solidarity, advocacy, and resilience. For ACFODE, resilience begins with how we care for each other.

ACFODE hosted ICAN South Sudan, MACCO & JESE in Kyegegwa District, where communities shared how the project is transforming daily life. Model couples are rebuilding relationships at home, while listeners’ club members are earning income through soap making and other activities.

The 2026 National GCA nominations are now officially open!! Are you an adolescent girl or young woman creating change in your community, this opportunity is for you. Here is the nomination link with details: girlchampionawards.org/nomination.html #GCA2026

Women are moving from participation to decision making in their economic lives. Through the Gender Light House partnership between ACFODE and Horizont3000, the conversation focused on what real empowerment looks like beyond numbers and participation. #GenderEquality

Communities in Kaborogota and Bukere in Kyegegwa District are resolving conflict earlier and strengthening coexistence between refugees and host communities. Through a joint dialogue by ACFODE, partners and families reflected on parenting, gender equality and peaceful living.

As the Domestic Violence Act Coalition, we know that caring for ourselves is essential to sustaining the movement for justice. Every time we convene, we hold wellness sessions that center self-care, reminding us that resilience begins within.

What does real change look like in communities? Our Q1 newsletter highlights @acfode's work across Uganda on women’s economic empowerment, peaceful coexistence, youth skilling and community dialogue. Read more: canva.link/g6w0xazu40au9na #ACFODE #GenderEquality #Newsletter

One year on, ACFODE’s role as a Gender Light House with @H3000EastAfrica is helping partners move from discussing gender equality to applying it in decisions and programmes across East Africa. Special thanks to @AinoHarpie for her leadership throughout this journey.

She spoke about change, nurtured it, protected it, and watched it grow. As we celebrate Mothers’ day, We honour the roots of ACFODE, the women who nurtured an idea into a movement that continues to shape generations. #MothersDay #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #Legacyofchange

In Wanale, EHRDs established 15 demonstration gardens, planted over 2,300 tree seedlings, and constructed soil and water conservation contours. These serve as practical learning sites where women and youth gain skills in reforestation and sustainable land management. ACFODE continues to strengthen the role of Women Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) as actors in advancing community-led climate action and environmental governance in the Mt. Elgon region. Through dialogue with sub-county leadership and district officials, EHRDs have influenced local action on environmental conservation. Notably, this engagement contributed to increased responsiveness from government actors, including support for climate-smart agriculture initiatives and the integration of EHRDs into programmes promoting organic fertilizer use.

During a community dialogue on gender equality, human rights, parenting, and peaceful coexistence in Kaborogota B village, Kaborogota zone, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, a model couple shared how their relationship has transformed through ACFODE’s interventions after experiencing family violence. Their honesty and growth struck a chord with many, offering a powerful reminder that healing is possible, and that change can begin at home. #HumanRights #PeacefulCoexistence #Parenting #EndFamilyViolence #CommunityDialogue

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 discussions 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.

Happy Labour Day! 🇺🇬 Safeguarding Uganda’s progress starts with empowering its workforce, especially women. At @acfode , we champion decent work, equality, and opportunity for all. We honor every individual, in every space, paid or unpaid, your efforts matter. Your work fuels progress, strengthens communities, and drives transformation. #labourday #decentwork

Between 2018 and 2023, the number of women in leadership positions within partner cooperatives grew from 3,395 to 5,335, an increase of 1,940 leaders. This progress reflects more inclusive decision-making, improved confidence, and the power of women’s leadership to drive change from household to communities. At @acfode , we continue to strengthen women’s participation and influence in partner cooperatives, ensuring that women are actively leading, deciding and shaping the direction of their communities. #EconomicEmpowerment #GenderEquality #WomaninLeadership #ACFODEat40

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. #RejectTheSovereigntyBill #CivicSpace #WomenRights

Strengthening partnerships for better mental health and protection services. ACFODE participated in the MHPSS monthly coordination meeting, where partners reflected on the need to review and update mental health referral pathways and to strengthen collaboration through joint monthly awareness sessions. Partners also highlighted persistent challenges, including stigma surrounding mental health, high expectations from clients, late reporting of GBV cases, and limited resources. Despite these constraints, there was a shared commitment to scale up GBV and mental health awareness efforts, improve coordination, and support community structures with @Refugees pledging essential materials such as umbrellas and gumboots to aid fieldwork during the rainy season. Addressing mental health and GBV requires collective action, and through continued collaboration, we can strengthen support systems for the communities we serve. #MentalHealth #GBVPrevention #Partnerships