The Peace Centre hosted a Girls’ Power Camp at Orungo Primary School in Amuria district, with over 300 girls aged 9-13 from 26th to 27th February. Over the course of several days, the camp provided a transformative experience for girls between primary 1 and primary 7, focusing on empowering them with knowledge, skills, and support.

The camp included sessions on essential topics such as menstrual hygiene, mental health, and puberty, aiming to enhance awareness and understanding among the girls. Through interactive activities and discussions, they learned about their bodies and minds, gaining confidence to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

A highlight of the camp was the emphasis on decision-making and life skills. Through scenario building and group exercises, the girls explored different choices and their potential outcomes, equipping them with valuable skills for navigating life’s challenges.

Another empowering aspect was the creation of personal action plans. Guided by mentors and peers, the girls set goals and outlined steps to achieve them, fostering a sense of purpose and agency among the participants.

The camp also addressed the girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs, emphasizing the importance of community support. Discussions highlighted the role of parents, teachers, and community leaders in providing guidance, support, and advocacy for girls’ rights and well-being.

As part of our commitment to girls’ empowerment, the Peace Centre distributed exercise books and pens and other scholastic materials to the girls at the end of the camp, contributing to their educational journey and basic needs.

Overall, the Girls Power Camp in Amuria proved to be a powerful catalyst for positive change, empowering young girls with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to thrive.

The validation meeting, held on January 25th, 2024, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders to critically review and refine the LAP, marking a pivotal moment in the district’s journey towards sustainable peace and prosperity.

Attended by religious leaders, cultural representatives, civil society organizations, and key government officials, the validation meeting aimed to incorporate feedback from a broad spectrum of voices, ensuring that the LAP accurately reflected the aspirations and priorities of the Moroto community.

Central to the validation process was the refinement of the LAP’s goal and strategic objectives, which were tailored to address the specific challenges faced by women, youth, and vulnerable populations in Moroto District. The LAP’s strategic objectives were meticulously defined, emphasizing the district’s commitment to reducing livestock theft, cases of gender-based violence (GBV), conflict over natural resources, and enhancing food security at the household level by 2029.

Furthermore, stakeholders proposed strategic interventions aimed at strengthening peace initiatives, GBV systems, resource conflict prevention, and early warning mechanisms. These interventions were carefully crafted to align with the district’s priorities and resources, ensuring their feasibility and effectiveness in addressing key challenges.

The validation meeting also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to make valuable recommendations for enhancing the LAP’s impact and implementation. From mainstreaming messages on the dangers of livestock theft to advocating for compulsory formal education for all children, stakeholders underscored the importance of holistic approaches to peacebuilding and community development.

Looking ahead, the validated LAP will undergo further review by the District Technical Planning Committee (DTPC) and the District Executive Committee (DEC) before being presented to the District Council for final approval. Once adopted, the LAP will serve as a guiding framework for promoting gender equality, peace, and sustainable development in Moroto District.

In January, 2024, Napak District in Uganda embarked on a transformative journey towards advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda through the localization and drafting of a Local Action Plan (LAP). Spearheaded by key district stakeholders, this initiative aimed to amplify awareness, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change within the community.

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From December 18th to 19th, 2023, key district stakeholders of Moroto district underwent intensive training sessions aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda and the Uganda National Action Plan III.

The training sessions served as a catalyst for increasing awareness and building capacity in the development and implementation of a Local Action Plans (LAP) tailored to the district’s unique context. Through interactive workshops and discussions, participants, including representatives from various sectors such as community development, law enforcement, governance, and civil society, gained valuable insights and skills to spearhead the localization process.

Following the training, a dedicated district task force was established to drive the development and implementation of the Moroto LAP . Comprising esteemed members such as the District Community Development Officer, District Police Commander, Senior Community Development Officer, and Religious and Cultural Leaders, the task force was entrusted with the crucial responsibility of translating aspirations into concrete actions.

From December 20th to 22nd, 2023, the district technical task force underwent a 3-day drafting workshop where they were trained on developing the LAP. Guided by the district’s vision for peace and prosperity, task force members diligently delineated the LAP’s goal, defined strategic objectives, and outlined targeted interventions to address pressing issues affecting women, peace, and security in the region.

The drafting process saw task force members immerse themselves in deep discussions, carefully scrutinizing each section of the LAP to ensure alignment with the district’s priorities and aspirations. Through collaborative efforts and shared expertise, the task force developed a comprehensive LAP that encapsulated the collective vision and aspirations of Moroto District.

As the drafting process concluded, the task force members shared progress on the draft LAP, outlined action plans, and delineated next steps for implementation. Their dedication and commitment underscored Moroto District’s unwavering resolve to promote gender equality, peace, and inclusive development.

The localization and drafting process of the Moroto Local Action Plan signify a significant milestone in the district’s journey towards creating a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous community.

In December 2023, we conducted a transitional justice training in Dokolo District, Uganda. The two-day training session, held at the Dokolo Tourist Hotel, aimed to fortify women’s participation in transitional justice processes, a crucial step towards nurturing a culture of peace and tolerance in the region.

The training sought to equip women and young women with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage meaningfully in transitional justice platforms. With 32 participants in attendance, including community leaders, women councilors, and representatives from various organizations, the event fostered an environment of learning and collaboration.

The training delved into Uganda’s history of conflict, particularly in Northern Uganda, exploring the impact of prolonged strife on communities. Participants examined the importance of transitional justice mechanisms in addressing past abuses and fostering reconciliation.

Other sessions focused on gender justice in development where discussions revolved around the intersection of gender and transitional justice, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women and young women affected by conflict. Participants explored strategies to promote gender-sensitive approaches in peacebuilding and development programs.

Additionally, the training addressed victims’ rights and reparations, emphasizing the importance of upholding victims’ rights and integrating them into reparative processes. Through case studies and group discussions, participants identified practical measures to support victims of war and conflict in accessing justice and rebuilding their lives.

In November 2023, a unique gathering unfolded by the serene backdrop of nature, marking a pivotal moment for a diverse group of individuals. The Care Hub Retreat, a meticulously designed experience, was more than an event; it was a transformational journey that delved deep into the realms of personal growth, emotional intelligence, and holistic well-being.

Read More “Embracing Transformation: The Journey of the Care Hub Retreat”