Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV

UGANET in the Field | Yumbe: Strengthening a Multisectoral Approach to SRHR In Yumbe District, the Protect SRHR team conducted an orientation for Community-Led Facilitators (CLFs) and Community-Based Volunteers (CBVs) to strengthen their understanding of the project and promote coordinated implementation at the community level. The orientation covered the project's background, short-term outcomes and long-term outcomes, helping participants understand the broader goals and the role each sector plays in achieving them. As part of the one-team approach, representatives from different sectors presented their respective areas of focus and explored how their work connects with that of other sectors. Participants were encouraged to move away from working in isolation and instead strengthen coordination and collaboration to ensure the project's multisectoral approach translates into meaningful action within communities. Effective SRHR programming requires different actors to work towards shared goals, combining their expertise and efforts to improve access to services and support for communities. #UGANET4SocialJustice

UGANET in the Field | Kyegegwa District: Exploring the Link Between Gender, Climate Change and Agriculture Over the last week, UGANET conducted four two-day Social Norms Change training sessions with farmer group members in Kigambo Sub-county, Kyegegwa District. The sessions explored the connections between gender, climate change, agriculture and natural resource management, helping participants understand how social norms and power dynamics influence household decisions, access to resources and community development. Using visual learning tools from the SASA! Together and Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodologies, participants examined both positive and negative social norms, explored how power is exercised within households and communities, and reflected on how gender relations shape their everyday experiences. The discussions provided an opportunity for farmer group members to reflect on existing practices and consider how more equitable relationships and decision-making can contribute to stronger communities, sustainable agricultural practices and better management of natural resources. Changing social norms begins with understanding them and creating space for communities to question practices that hold them back. #UGANET4SocialJustice

UGANET in the Field | Kyegegwa District: Empowering Women, Girls and Youth to Champion Environmental Protection In Byabakora Zone, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, UGANET conducted a four-day training aimed at strengthening the capacity of women-, girls- and youth-led groups to mobilise their communities around environmental protection and sustainable living. The training equipped participants with knowledge, leadership skills and community mobilisation approaches to educate others on protecting the environment, using natural resources responsibly and adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. By strengthening the capacity of women, girls and young people to lead environmental awareness and action within their communities, the initiative recognises their important role in promoting responsible natural resource management and building more sustainable communities. Environmental protection is a shared responsibility, and empowering communities to lead that change is an important step towards a more sustainable future. #UGANET4SocialJustice

UGANET in the Field | Obongi District: Bringing Justice Closer to Communities For many people living in Obongi District, accessing formal justice has meant travelling long distances, spending money they can hardly afford and enduring delays in having their cases heard. The absence of an operational court in the district has made an already difficult process even more challenging. To address these barriers, UGANET conducted a four-day mobile court session at Bongilo Community Centre, Zone 3 East, in Palorinya Refugee Settlement, bringing judicial services closer to refugee and host communities. The session provided an opportunity for litigants to have pending cases heard and resolved within their communities, reducing the geographical and financial burden of seeking justice while supporting the timely disposal of cases. Beyond the resolution of individual cases, the intervention reinforced the importance of accessible justice in protecting rights, strengthening public confidence in formal justice institutions and promoting accountability. It also provided a formal avenue for resolving disputes, including family-related matters involving refugees and members of host communities, contributing to reconciliation, peaceful coexistence and stronger community relations. As communities approach the festive season, accessible and timely justice remains essential in preventing conflict, deterring criminal conduct and ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances, can seek redress when their rights are violated. Justice should not be out of reach simply because of where someone lives. #UGANET4SocialJustice

📍Pakwach District 110 Girl Shine Graduates Celebrate Their Growth and New Beginnings in Pakwach This week, 110 adolescent girls from five of our Girl Shine groups graduated in Pakwach Town Council, marking an important milestone in their journey towards empowerment, self-confidence and a brighter future. Through the Girl Shine sessions, the adolescents demonstrated growth in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) awareness, decision-making, understanding of body changes, emotional management, and visioning and goal-setting. One of the most encouraging outcomes was the commitment by 10 girls to return to school, following the second chance their parents had offered them after observing the positive transformation brought about by the programme. During the ceremony, the Community Development Officer (CDO) and Vice LC III Chairperson encouraged the graduates to remain disciplined, choose positive peer groups, stay focused on their goals and seek support from relevant service points, including accessing SRHR services whenever needed. The girls were also encouraged to share their knowledge with their peers and continue creating supportive and protective spaces for one another. Looking ahead, sustained engagement will be key to building on these gains. Opportunities through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), tailoring, hairdressing and other livelihood initiatives, alongside community outreaches, radio talk shows, advocacy platforms, partner linkages, Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) activities and school integration, were highlighted as pathways to sustaining the girls' progress. The event brought together representatives from the town council administration, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), peer educators, and health and education teams, reflecting the importance of coordinated community support in advancing adolescent well-being. Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, make informed decisions and shape her future. The graduation of these 110 girls is a reminder of what sustained support, knowledge and empowerment can make possible. #UGANET4SocialJustice