CLIMATE CHANGE: What more will grassroots women endure?

December 2013

Bore holes have now been sank almost every where in rural Uganda, even in areas where wells would ordinarily have been expected. As told to May Nakyejwe My name is Betty Naluzze Mwanje, I come from a humble peasant family in one of the remote districts of Uganda in Luweero. I am now 52 years and God has blessed me with six children; three boys and three girls, all of whom are living and responsible adults. As a young aspiring adult, I came to live and work in the city in 1980. It is also during the same year that i joined my husband in one of the then suburbs of Kampala, in TtulaKawempe. As a person raised from a rural setting, i did not find any difficulties with my new environment because at the time of my re-location, nature was still Betty Naluzze Mwanje. flourishing and goats, cows and other animals in alvery welcoming. I could get every most every home. The gardens were domestic input i needed. Firewood stocked with all types of vegetables was readily available, the water from and fruits and you would easily find the swamps was plenty and the food a well in almost every home situated was not a struggle, because it would in the valley. easily grow from our garden since When it came to transportation, the land was very fertile and pest we would walk comfortably for free. Most of the people in our comabout two and half kilometers to the munity were farmers and cultivators nearby main road. and it was typical to find poultry, Turn to P2

INSIDE

NGOs think of life after donor money...P.5

Local meeting places can bring change?...P.10

GWEN NEWS Volume 5 Issue 1 december 2013

GWEN Opinion

Embrace need to diversify income

As we come to the close of 2013, the two most important things that have consistently featured in our work as partner organizations under EAGWEN are: Enhancing / improving systems, and the need to diversify our sources of income. Kristen Hansen, the new NWF team leader blatantly put it: Economies in Europe are crumbling, partners in the South need to build systems, and work towards nancial sustainability. Becoming a nancially sustainable individual or organization clearly depends on the kind of systems you have in place. We the three partner organizations have worked towards improving ourselves in those aspects, but with a lot more to do. As we enter 2014, we therefore promise to use the available resources to ensure that a lot yet more ground in this direction is achieved. We are greatly indebted to our partners, Norwegian Women and Family Association (NWF) and FOKUS, and the Norwegian citizens for their untiring support as we strive!

Climate change: A tale from a rural woman

Continued from P1 Bicycles and a few taxis were basically the common means of public transport for those who could afford. Our neighborhood was also very welcoming. The people were very friendly and because of a small population of mostly natives of the village, everyone would get to know the daily happenings in every ones home. As a community, we would be joined in good and bad times. We had a programme for community work which included cleaning the wells, clearing the roadsides, planting trees among others. And most uniquely from the Buganda Kingdom was a program termed as Bulungibwansi; in which on top of the roles mentioned above, was the duty to plant and manage what was called olusuku lwa Kabaaka (the Kings plantation), though done under the guise of managing a plantation for the king; was done to ensure that every household had adequate food. In terms of the environment, Ttula village and the surrounding areas was quite bushy giving a very natural feeling. The place had different tree species all over and just at a glance; you would not miss to see the mivule, acacia, musizi, eucalyptus trees and a whole range of wild herbs. Thickets and other wild growth was common place in the area too. Down in the valleys were swamps covered with different types of swampy plants and in such places people took advantage of the swamp water to cultivate yams, cabbage, and sugar cane, name it. Such an environment gave us a steady supply of water which we would obtain at no cost. Everything was quite predictable. We were certain of an all year climatic conditions which offered both rainy and sunny season. We had two seasons of each in a row. The first rains used to come from March to May followed by those in September to November. December to early February was commonly known for sunny conditions; but not the harsh ones we currently experience. This kind of predictable climate enabled us to be certain that the second rains in March meant the onset of the planting season. And such an environment did wonders to us cultivators and farmers, she reminisces. We would grow a lot of maize, beans, ground nuts and other cereals which we found no difficulty in managing up till the harvesting season. Our task was just to weed at least twice and wait for the harvests to come. This also meant that there were no pests to affect the crops. We would experience some weevils such as the banana and potatoe weevils but these were easily managed locally just by

Firewood collection is now a major task, when in the past it was one of the easiest chores. applying dry ash on the affected crops. Matooke or banana plantations planted together with coffee (the Robusta type) was a typical scene in every home, as these two were known to thrive well together. Coffee was a major income earner and at least every child was raised knowing the value of coffee in a home. It was also regarded as gold mine in the Buganda region due to its high market demand.

Climate changes emerge

As people started migrating to our area after the 1986 national resistance guerilla war, our village saw the influx of people from different parts of the country. Most of them were the Bakiga from West Nile who came in search of casual work, especially gardening since they were known for their energetic trait. Later, the forests and swamps were encroached upon as more people came. Gradually the wells were no more and the trees and bushes became a tale of the past. Eventually, we started getting problems with water. The rains became so scarce and the famous rainy seasons started to change. The rains would fall abruptly without a sign also changing the usual direction from the ones we knew. Suddenly the weather conditions too started to get hotter. This greatly affected our planting seasons as we would not tell which months to plant. At many occasions we would plant in hope of rain only to be surprised with long spells of the drought. We had to introduce irrigation and pest control, farming methods which were strange to us. The gardens which used to rely on the farm composite manure, poultry droppings and others would not yield anything without modern fertilization. Continued to P6

GWEN NEWS Volume 5 Issue december 2013

Niita Kapoor, Director General FK-Norway presents a gift to Dr. Patricia Litho, Chairperson UMWA.

By Sara Birungi

UMWA organizes Fredscorpset Golden Jubilee in Uganda

On December 15th, Fredscorpset marked 50 years of existence, the main celebrations taking place in Olso, with over 1,200 people from all over the world taking part. Prior to the main event, continental celebrations were carried out and in Africa, Uganda was chosen. Uganda Media Womens Association (UMWA), a long-time partner to Fredscorpset, organized the event, attracting over 220 people including over 80 partner organizations that had since collaborated with Norwegian NGOs or agencies. The EAGWEN member organizations were well represented. (Fredscorpset is a Norwegian word for peace corps, or volunteers. Fredscorpset now better known as FK-Norway or FK. The FK golden celebrations in Uganda coincided with the Norwegian-Uganda cooperation which were also making almost 50 years. The Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Thorbjorn Gaustadsaether said at the occasion: It is particularly interesting that Uganda was the first destination in the world that a young and courageous group

of Norwegians Peace Corps took (1963). These indeed set the pace for Norway-Uganda diplomatic and bilateral relationship, officially opening in 1964. The focus of the Norwegian current partnership with Uganda is centred on good governance and human rights; The Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, Thorbjorn Gaustadsaether (right) interClean Energy and acting with key partners while Niita Kapoor consults Margaret Sentamu, Director Oil for Develop- UMWA. ment; Climate Patricia Litho appreciated FredscorpLeadership: Key to Development Change / Environment; and Women set and the Norwegian Embassy, for and Economic Growth, Niita Kapoor and Equality. entrusting UMWA to organize such a said: A dynamic organization must The FK Director General, Niita Kahigh profile and big event. On behalf keep moving. FK wanted to use our poor who also led a 5-member team of UMWA, she pledged continued golden jubilee to look ahead, to keep from Oslo, said: Uganda is a very collaboration with FK, the Norwegian contributing to the development special country for FK, as it is our Government, and other partners. challenges of our time. And that is longest beneficiary with over 900 UMWA, COWA and MAFA are why we are taking the opportunity Ugandans having been exchanged partners with the Norwegian Women to highlight the situation of young over the years. Farmers' Association, NWF. people. On the days theme: Youth The UMWA Chairperson, Dr.

gwen news Volume 5 Issue 1 january 2014

COWA graduates tipped on success

By Okello Billy Francis COWA CVTS, Nsambya held its 17th graduation ceremony last August, 69 young women and men passed with flying colours, at a function attracting about 300 guests including former students, and parents. Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga led the holy mass which curtain raised the graduation ceremony. He was all praise of COWA CVTS and similar institutions that provide vocational training. Saying 20/30 years ago, many Ugandans were looking down upon vocational institutions, but today, such training is offered at higher institutions. He was happy to note that COWA provides a variety of skills which enables young people to establish themselves in the employment sector, as jobs creators instead of being job seekers. The youngest graduate of the day was Nabanoba Patricia, a 13-year old girl who graduated with a Certificate in Tailoring and Garment Making. Nabanoba left formal education in Primary Four after repeating it for two years. She felt she couldnt manage that kind of education so she opted for a Tailoring course. At COWA, she concentrated on the practical training in Tailoring, and registered for the non-formal examinations in the year 2012. Patricia plans to continue with more practical training in Tailoring for one more year before she establishes her own business of a Tailoring workshop at home when a machine and other training equipment are COWA instructors demonstrate how to do tie and dye on a piece of cloth bought for her. In Uganda today, there are many youths like Patricia who cannot proceed with the formal education. They need vocational training for practical skills training that can help them create jobs or even get employed to help in the fight against poverty. The Guest of Honour was Tordis Merete Hovstad Aas, the Manager of Project Support National Oil Well Vargo Norway. She was one of the eleven team-member of the Norwegian Women and Family Association (NWF) who attended the 17th graduation ceremony. She reminded the graduands that they are some of the empowered youth in Uganda who now have the capacity to make a difference in their lives and that of others in the surrounding communities. He told the graduands that their success is the beginning of a new journey in life, therefore they should be faithful and committed in all their undertakings to make a difference in their work as they join the rest of the workforce in the country.

Patricia receives a certificate from Meret.

gwen news Volume 5 Issue 1 december 2013

Life after donor money

Local NGOs plot sustainability structures
By EAGWEN Team And what are your plans to ensure continuity after donor funding has been phased out? This, and similar questions related to sustaining project activities have become common with donor agencies or development partners before funding is approved. And true, the recipient, now commonly referred to as partner organizations in the South are not leaving anything to chance. In addition to providing a sustainability plan within the project plan for funding, several voluntary organizations (NGOs and CBOs) have initiated sustainability strategies to ensure continuity of their institutions and activities after donors phase out. Partner organizations that form the East African Grassroots Women Network (EAGWEN), too, are not left out. MAFA, COWA and Women outreach programs will have to devise means of self-sustenance in order to last the test of time. UMWA have concentrated on building community or working with existing local as well. The change agents support others to the country. We therefore recce the district of structures. adopt practices and ideas. They are the images operation, for possible structures we can work Edith Tendo of MAFA says: The comof what the project intends to achieve and thus with. We, as a must work with the local council munity structures include establishing self-help they act as examples. structures, the district departments, and of groups which are then facilitated to build Babirekere concurs with Tendo: The commucourse the NGOs, and other local groups that knowledge and skills which they later share nity activists are trained in a range of knowloperate in the same thematic area. with the rest of the community. She adds: edge and skills, including gender analysis and This way, weve been able to exist a district, The self-help groups are also encouraged to rights, communication, advocacy, and counseland then later get back with another project, start group ventures later introduced to and and work with the same women groups that we ling. They are the first contact for the grasstrained in village savings and loan schemes. roots communities, for the district officials, as worked with ten years ago! In the mean time, Pointing out: the trained group members have well as the project team operating from the the district offices could also have worked with been able to improve their enterprises, the city. They are spokespersons of the project at the same groups. We have also found out that Village Saving Loan Associations (VSLAs) have district level. In a way, they also act as project the district budget, now takes care of some also often attracted more people beyond those monitors, thus reducing on the organizational of the needs of the women groups that we targeted by MAFA, which contributes to further costs that would have gone in that area. introduced to them, some years ago! sustainability. The partner organizations, have also ventured Another strategy is the use of contact people COWAs strategy is to target beyond the in financial sustainability activities. UMWA this in the districts of operation. MAFA calls them student/pupil by involving the parents and the year, invested in training of four of its staff in change agents, and to UMWA, they are comimmediate communities. These are also offered a 2-week intense training in financial sustainmunity activists. These are representatives of health knowledge, social relations and life skills the local communities, who live and work at the ability. The training touched on diversification apart from the usual cookery or computer skills. grassroots level. They are highly regarded, but of income, the need to work towards having For UMWA, the strategy is to work with multi instead of single-year projects. The need not necessarily highly educated. Trustworthy, and within the local existing structures such great mobilizers, and already with a proven vol- to ply into 'crowd sourcing' fundraising and as women groups, CBOs, and the district or the importance of an NGO to become a hybrid untary work experience in livelihood improvesub-county structures. Clothlida Babirekere, institution (getting funds from donors, but also ment or rights activism. Program Officer, Domestic Violence Prevention from local income generation activities). Tendo says: It is important to sketch out inProgram says: It is difficult and a lot costly dividuals who are willing to serve others. They for UMWA to have offices in all corners of Continued to P7 should be fast learners who can offer leadership

gwen news Volume 5 Issue 1 december 2013

When nature strikes back

Continued from P2 Later, strange pests started affecting the plants, common among them being kayovu (banana bacterial wilt) and small caterpillars which would dry up the sweet potatoes plants. The maize too was affected with a strange weevil likewise the cassava. The yields began to lessen notwithstanding losing taste. For instance, the maize and sweet potatoes which were known for their unique taste became less tasty. For instance in the past, every region was known for growing various species of crops. As a remedy, some new drought resistant seeds of maize, beans and others were later introduced by government but not a match to the native ones. The coffee and banana plants too which were known for their long gestation period of about 5 to 10 or years or more started to dry out. However, currently coffee is very scarce in homesteads not until recently when its been revived. The banana plant has been transformed into various species and one cannot easily tell whether they are eating Matooke or something similar to it. We just have to keep memories of the past to feel good, she adds. With the environmental disorder, Ms. Naluzze expresses a lot of worries for her community and Uganda at large. She relates this to the immense change of things. To her, the climatic order has been immensely affected judging from all the natural beauty that is no more. She says. If you take for instance todays rains, they tend to be so hostile almost similar to the hurricane catrinas and others we hear about in the United States. Whenever it rains, Kampala and in neighboring places turn into floods claiming a number of lives. This is primarily attributed to the robust encroachment on swamps as all over Kampala (a place which was known to be a swampy city). Besides the floods, one has to worry about the emerging epidemics that come along with the floods such as cholera outbreaks in the city. The few remaining swamps and most of the drainage in the city has become a sewerage area. The water has become too risky for human consumption because nothing good can be expected to come from such water if the swamps which are helpful in distilling it have been overly misused. Furthermore, the weather conditions have become very humid and harsh lately. The sun and wind are so hostile and too dry and everywhere is dusty causing more fear of blowing off the

Worries from the climatic changes

roof tops due to absence of trees to arrest it. Also lately is the common occurrence of heavy lightning and thunder which has caused a number of deaths mostly in rural school. At the community level, our relations with the people have degenerated. For instance, our family still has different plots of farm land (within our village which has transformed into a town); but we find it hard to reap anything from the gardens. Most of our food is stolen by people who lack where to cultivate. Some of our grazing land attracts community outcry. According to them, grazing land can easily harbor thieves! We often get confused and worried that we may fail to sustain our farmland because of these endless complaints. What irks me most is the communitys short-sightedness in appreciating us for preserving the environment. Lately the environment is polluted with emissions but the people are not well informed about preserving their environment. The kaveera ( polythene bag) for its multi packaging purposes is eating away our soil both in terms of fertility and its water retention capacity. No wonder the floods are a common place. Our worries continue for the wellbeing of children in terms of food and livelihoods. Today we find it very hard to feed our children and ourselves on a balanced diet as we used to. At times we run short of food and are forced to live on one meal a day. It is quite demanding to meet food, health, education and other costs. . Uganda is likely to turn into a very dangerous place to live in if the situation is not addressed. We are likely to face more heavy floods such as those in the United States. The water levels might reduce drastically, wide spread hunger and famine is expected too. The harsh winds are likely to swallow us up because the houses are no longer firm on the ground. And to me, these changes are happening under our watch and we are entirely responsible for the eventualities. We are the sole enemies of development with all of our careless human activities to nature.

Students take care of the environment by sorting waste.

Ms. Naluzze was hopeful that despite the environmental threat, a few things can be done to redeem the situation. She recommends a national awareness raising campaign on environmental preservation and the dangers associated to climate change. This should be done by making people appreciate their responsibility in preserving nature and not waiting for the government to take the lead. "The government should also develop satellite cities to relieve the population absorption burden from Kampala", she says, adding, "This initiative will turn other places into cities with every service available and there would be no reason to scramble for Kampala, the city centre."

Possible solutions

gwen news Volume 5 Issue 1 december 2013

What next after donor money?

Continued from P5 And for UMWA, Mama FM was singled out with great potential to generate income! Joan Nankya, Program Officer, UMWA, says: What UMWA needs is to turn around Mama FM into a social enterprise, and utilise its space for income generation. And for this to happen, UMWA needs a Business Development Officer; who will sell the organizations social value for funding. Tendo says: MAFA started a demonstration garden as a study place for beneficiaries who pay a small fee. The crops and animals also generate an income for MAFA. The demonstration farm will further be developed to fetch more income through tourism, and tree seedlings. On the other hand, UMWA has for the past two years developed life skills modules targeting students in holidays. The revenue collected is deposited on a fixed account to bail out the Association in the difficult times. For COWA, contributions from parents towards their childrens fees is one of the ways of contributing to the sustainability of the scheme. Billy Okello, Computer Instructor says that in addition to outside catering services, the scheme provides services to the nearby and other communities. He regrets that the expected revenue from a new initiative, Maritanna Restaurant, has not yet come to pass. In all, the three organizations, have realized that donors or development partners are not here to stay, and have proceeded to raise income locally. It is not, however, a smooth road, and would therefore require all the needed support, to help them invest in sustainability activities.

Enhance Systems for Sustainability

By EAGWEN Reporter It was again time to meet as a family! The East African Grassroots Women Network (EAGWEN) annual conference, was held August 30th September 1st, 2013. The member organizations were each represented by four staff. And as usual, a team from the Norwegian Women and Family Association (NWF) led by Anne Marit, participated. The annual conference is an opportunity for members to share and interact more, as well as identifying areas for improvement to sustain their program. But also to celebrate achievements so far made. And as such, the August /September conference highlighted the need to create / enhance systems within member organizations. Kristen Hansen, the NWF team leader summed: It was a pleasure for me to participate in this conference. I have learnt a lot from the presentations and discussions. I appreciate your contributions but I advise that you create systems that will make you sustainable because the economies in Europe are collapsing. Uganda needs to be sustainable. Presentations during the conference among others, touched on the EAGWENs program and individual project progress, which indicated that all was on course despite some challenges including heavy dependency on unpaid staff, decrease in donor funding, and the high inflation now abound in the country. To enhance organizational development, each partner presented on a topical issue. UMWA explained the financial sustainability challenge that faces voluntary organizations, recommending that the time for partner organizations to explore other forms of funding is now. Joan Nankya, Program Officer, UMWA said: The problem is exacerbated by the global financial crisis. We as NGOs in Uganda, need to diversity our sources of income by emphasizing local revenue generation, and being more creative! MAFA presented on the biosafety and Biotechnology Bill, 2012 which Edith Tendo, Program Officer said: It is intended to introduce genetically modified foods into Uganda and most especially into the agricultural sector with an intention of reducing food insecurity. Tendo however decried governments rush to introduce GMOS without any safety procedures. She said: The Bill does not provide for compensating farmers who might be affected by an accidental release of a GMO. It is also silent on who bears liability, whether jointly or severally, and fails to attach liability to the developing of the GMO. Continued to P8

Some of the participants at the EAGWEN annual conference at Namirember Guest House.

gwen news Volume 5 Issue 1 december 2013

Kristen advises EAGWEN at Annual Conference

Continued from P7 COWA CVTS Principal, Romana Bilak Francesca presented on human trafficking. She noted that most of the victims are the vulnerable; and the traffickers are those in positions of power, and facilitating a well coordinated network, that would take a lot of political will and resources to crack. She said human trafficking in Uganda had become rampant, necessitating the relevant Act in 2009, though its implementation is facing a lot of challenges. It was noted that the general public in particular the vulnerable groups ought to be sensitized on their rights, while the government invests in poverty reduction programs to avert the alarming rate of human trafficking. The highlight of the day was a presentation on service delivery in Uganda which noted that despite significant improvement, in particular the health sector, the situation needs far much more improvement. Richard Mugisha from PelumUganda noted that persistent policy and implementation remains a challenge. And as a recommendation to improve the situation, he proposed that access to information be

EAGWEN participates in an Indigenous food fair at Lugogo. Inset is Francesca Romana Bilak and looking on is Edith Tendo from MAFA. improved, and government invests more in skilled manpower. That clarity on roles be made among the different stakeholders. He however emphasized the need for strong civil society movement to monitor, and put to task authorities to account for their actions. Anne Marit, the outgoing NWF team leader said she was happy to see new faces, and challenged the partner organizations to keep the fire burning, now that some results of the Program and individual projects, are beginning to show.

Tips on bringing about change

You want to bring about change? Save the Children shares some advocacy tips: 1. Identify yourself: State your name and identify yourself as a constituent. Share other information about who you are. If it is relevant to the issue (for example, if you are a parent, member of a civic organization, business owner, scientist, etc). also know more about the issue than your elected official. That is why it is a good idea to offer yourself as a source of information.

'Neglect of indegenous foods has brought suffering'

By Edith Tendo Despite the several advantages that come with the production of improved foods and animals, some sections of researchers and practitioners have worked against abandoning traditional farming and indigenous foods. According to Edith Tendo, Program Officer with Maganjo Farmers Association (MAFA), despite the introduction and governments promotion of improved varieties that yield a lot in a short time, our communities are struggling with food insecurity mainly because these varieties negate the traditional practices like seed saving as most of these cannot be replaced. She notes: Our grand-

2. Be specific: Include the name and number of the relevant bill. Clearly describe the issue and state your goals. 3. Make it personal: The best thing you can do as a citizen advocate is to give the issue your individual voice. Use personal examples and speak in your own words. 4. Be confident: Your official job is to represent you. You may

5. Be polite: Always work on the basis that the government and your opponents are open to reason and discussion. If you are rude, your message will not be received. 6. Be brief: Communication that focuses strongly on one argument is the most effective. Keep it to one issue. Limit written documents to one page. 7. Be timely: Your message is more likely to be considered if it is immediately relevant. 8. Be factual: Use facts and statistics. Make sure the information you provide is accurate.
Compiled by Edith Tendo

parents depended on indigenous foods, and never lacked food. The seedlings are almost free of charge for the local communities, and are planted with local knowledge, and are easily sustained. She says that despite the advantages that are said to come with the hybrid seeds such as being more productive and high yields, it will be unproductive for Uganda to side-line the indigenous foods as we will also be losing our heritage. She says: Foods are part of culture: are prepared on special ceremonies, marriages, child naming, circumcision, or burials. And with continued shadowing of such foods, our rich heritage risks going down with the current trend.

gwen news Volume 5 Issue 1 december 2013

Little financial support but solid gains

By Ruth Nazziwa and EAGWEN Reporter everal grassroots women in Luweero District had not planned to join Maganjo Farmers Association (MAFA). But years on, they say this was the biggest chance that came their way, because now, their lives have been transformed tremendously. Says Agnes Mulabi, Kisozi Zone B: I joined a womens club at the village level after a friend informed me that it is developmental oriented, and offers assistance to women of low income and literacy levels. One day MAFA officials from Kampala and addressed our club. I was impressed and later subscribed to MAFA. The rest is history because I have acquired knowledge and skills which I have used to transform my life. Ive been able to pay school fees for my children and have a better house. The single most thing that I learnt is that even with very little land, you can use it productively. I chose to rear pigs, among the several income generation activities that we were introduced to. They are easy to manage and require relatively very small space as compared to the birds. With the two piglets I got from MAFA, they have now grown into eight. Im now able to sell each piglet at UGS 40,000 50,000 but if they mature to nine months, they fetch me UGS 400,000 each!

Agnes Mulabi feeding her pigs.

Agnes Mulabi Elizabeth Muwunga, also from Kisozi says: Since we joined the project, we are like sisters. We share and learn from each other. Sometimes I get banana plants from Agnes Kabuye, and she gets piglets from me at a fee, but sometimes we do barter! Im so happy with this project. Agnes Kabuye says: Life is getting better each day as compared to the old days when I was so stressed, no income, and my children had dropped out of school. Today, I can single handedly provide for my children, and feed them well. After the training, I was given 25 banana plants, now transformed into 50! I sell the biggest bunch of banana at UGS 20,000 and the smallest at UGS 10,000. This is good enough, moreover supplementing the income by growing vegetables and rearing a few pigs. It is so interesting

Agnes Kabuye that I do not waste any material from my small farm, because the dung I collect from the pigsty is used as organic fertilizers on the crop farm. All the women talked to by this reporter say, they have plans to expanding their farms, and all praise to MAFA and who they call their Norwegian friends, for the technical and financial support.

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gwen news Volume 5 Issue 1 december 2013

Local meeting place where village transformation began

By Clothilda Babirekere It is a hot sunny afternoon as the villagers slowly start to gather around the mango tree. Some sit, others stand, and eventually they are all settled. I notice that Margaret Nassiwa has not yet arrived, but she finally emerges through the crowd. She stamps the ground with heavy strong footsteps, her big body swaying left and right, and heat held up high. Suddenly, there is total silence, and only the sound of birds chirping from the nearby trees can be heard as she takes her seat next to the village chief. Nassiwa is a woman leader in Mulagi Sub-County, Kyankwanzi District, Uganda. The meeting starts, and soon it is time for Nassiwa to speak. She fumbles with her long dress and stands up. She walks to the centre of the crowd where she seems to contemplate her next move. Finally, in a quiet shy voice that goes against her usually strong authoritative character, she testifies before the large village crowd. As she starts to speak, her eyes show her inner feelings, a mixture of sadness and happiness. My husband beats and kicks me. He scratches my thighs and back, she says. A tear rolls down her cheek, but it is still evident that she is a strong woman. This is the moment she has always dreamt of, but never had the courage to carry through. For decades she had accepted domestic abuse in fear of her ents and societys reaction to the revelation and most of all the loss of the respect and dignity the community has for her. But now, because of the Domestic Violence Prevention Program launched in her community by Uganda Media Womens Association (UMWA), to sensitize and encourage people to report and speak out against domestic violence, Nassiwa has broken the silence about her suffering. But within seconds of her testimony, her neighbours relatives and friends have disowned her! They abuse and ridicule her for disgracing them. Her husband wonders in disbelief as she narrates to the village meeting what he regards as bedroom affairs. The local leaders too rebuke and accuse her of poisoning a peaceful community by speaking the unspeakable. After the meeting, she was determined to continue speaking out than die quietly. She volunteered to sensitize community members on domestic violence as she clinged on to her role of woman leader. She wanted to become a role model for her community and indeed she became one. Soon, women came one by one and started confiding in her about the abusive experiences they have endured. Then, men too, put aside their male pride and confided in her. As the number of voices increased, there arose a need for a space where people could be listened to, guided and counselled. This was to be a place where people felt safe, and comfortable enough to open their hearts. The Local Council (LCI) in her village (Kasimbi) collaborated by constructing a temporary shelter (half wall) to be used as a village court where people go and report abuse. Community members were encouraged to attend the proceedings. A Sub-County Court (Local Council III Court), in charge of civil and referring criminal cases in the community, which had not been functional for a long time, was replaced by the Sub-County Domestic Violence Court, which is operated by Nassiwas followers. A renowned domestic violence perpetrator, who later reformed was appointed to head this court. Other opponents including religious, cultural, and opinion leaders became collaborators and used their platforms to speak about and condone domestic violence. They also gave Nassiwas followers an opportunity to share their experiences and to encourage others to change and disapprove domestic violence. Community members are now reporting domestic violence. The voices are amplified on Mama FM where Nassiwa and others have become panellists. Presenters and volunteers on Mama FM are good to go. Thanks to the rights awareness they have undergone under the NWF / FOKUS support. Not only men reduced on wife beating in fear of being reported, but they are also reporting the abuse they face. As a result of the many successes of Kasimbi authorities, leaders are now taking domestic violence as a crime, rather than asking couples to settle their differences at home. Church leaders are providing platforms for campaigns against acts that undermine womens dignity. The Sub-County Police Post is now accepting their responsibility and using the law to help abused people. The mango tree, a local village meeting place, became a place where the village transformation began..........

Under the mango tree

par-

Big dreams often start as small ideas! Grass-roots women meet under a tree to map out strategies for own development. Inset is Margaret Nassiwa.

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How UMWA Domestic Violence project helped me reconcile my parents

As told to UMWA Project Staff I come from a humble peasant family in one of the remote districts of Uganda, Kyankwanzi. I am the second born out of eight children, most of them boys, born of the same parents. Traditionally a big family in my community is a sign of prestige and social status, but unfortunately this had a great bearing on our education, as most of us were not given that much of an opportunity. For this reason, at about 9 years of age, I was personally stopped from going to school to give the opportunity to my younger siblings to get some education as well. As a girl, groomed to be submissive to my father, i had no voice to contest the decision. My father is the final decision maker in the home. Three years ago I learnt about a certain project dealing with domestic violence prevention implemented by a media womens association, also targeting youth. My goal was to ensure that I join the program since i had been restrained from participating in any community activities, let alone meet friends. One day I made all the efforts to go to the venue where a training workshop on domestic violence was organized for children out of school. I was able to sneak out of home to attend the five day workshop, and this was my turning point. We were sensitized about our rights, the forms of domestic violence, the causes and effects. The most practical message for me was discovering that domestic violence is a crime and punishable by law, our rights as children to education, to be free from abuse or torture and child labour. The workshop also made me realize that, my own mother was facing all the forms of domestic violence on a daily basis. She was physically beaten and sexually abused by our father before our own eyes. And little did we know that what he was doing to her was a crime. He would also spend all her proceeds from the garden on drinking alcohol on top of bringing his concubines along with him in my mothers house! As children we also got several beatings from our father in the

event of trying to protect our mother form the abuse. At times our father could deny us food. Ours was endless torment and emotional unrest. After the training, I decided that I must do something to put an end to this misery. Back home I shared the same message with my mother, using the Community Activists manual as a reference. I also showed her our uniform. She was so happy with me. I noticed some sign of hope in her facial expression, but was reserved to say much but encouraged me to share it with my father too. I strategically placed the training manual on my fathers table. I did this intentionally to get an entry point, and the bait worked out! Momentarily, he invited me to elaborate the message in the manual which I gladly did. I educated him about our rights as children to education, basic needs and others and how it is a crime under the countrys laws to deny children such rights. He was so impressed with this kind of information and

UMWA activists consult and distribute material on Domestic Violence to cyclists and vendors.

asked where I had got it from. I was glad to tell him about the Uganda Media Womens Association, UMWA. Although I was not able to get enrolled back to school, I was satisfied with the changes that ensued at home. My father apologized to my mother for all the wrong doings and he promised before me never to mistreat us again. He also pledged to give my younger siblings an opportunity to education and he officially gave me permission to participate fully in the domestic violence prevention programme. This gave me more zeal to approach more children who were in

a similar situation. Through chats with my fellow peers, I was able to visit their homes and talk to their parents. Although it was a challenging job in the beginning, I was able to gain more confidence from the different encounters I had with different couples. Some time I would be asked by some adults; what stake do you have as a young girl in marital affairs?And i was confident enough to use my identification card, manual and uniform as proof that I was a trained peer educator to sensitize people on domestic violence. Before participating in the UMWA project, I was a very timid girl who could not express myself in public just like my mother. I am now looked at in my village as an empowered girl. Though its quite strange for a girl of my age, 14 years to talk about marital issues, I now find it as an obligation to intervene in domestic violence cases. I strategically intervene through mediation of my fellow peers but end up discussing about the parents obligations towards their children. The continued support by the project has given me more confidence to continue with the fight!

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gwen news Volume 5 Issue 1 december 2013

UMWA t e a m conducts climate change workshop.

team e eagwen Part of th at the . s food fair indegenou

GWEN NEWS is a publication of the four East African grassroots women NGOs: Gender and Development Centre (GADECE) in Kenya, Maganjo Farmers' Association (MAFA), Centenary Vocational Training School (COWA) and Uganda Media Women's Association (UMWA), supported by NORAD and FOKUS through the Norwegian Women and Family Association (NWF). The publication seeks to facilitate networking among the participatiing organisations, who once a year convene to share best practices and plan together to take on an otherwise dynamic world. Nakiyingi Dorcus in a Catering practical lesson provided by COWA. This edition has been made possible courtesy: MANAGING EDItOR: Margaret Sentamu Masagazi COORDINAtOR: Billy Francis Okello CONtRIbUtIONs: May Nakyejwe, Edith Tendo, Ruth Nazziwa, Sara Birungi, Margaret Sentamu, Clothilda Babirekere, Billy Francis Okello, DesIGN AND LAYOUt: John Weeraga PRINteRs: Forward Arts LTD. fINANcIAl sUppORt: FOKUS, NORAD and The Norwegian Women Family Association, NWF.

Community activists planning for the next step.

Maganjo Farmers' Association (MAFA) P.O BOX 11682, Kampala Uganda Tel: +256 (0) 752604396 Email: mag-farmersassociation@yahoo.co.uk

Gender and Development Centre (GADECE) P.O BOX 1588, Kisumu, Kenya Tel: 254 (0) 572020827 Cell: 254 (0) 722 745 773 Email: gadecekisumu@gmail.com

Centenary Vocational Training School (COWA) P.O BOX 24754 Kampala-Uganda Tel: +256 414 267 206 Mob: +256 722 426 537 Email: cowacvts@gmail.com

Uganda Media Women Association (UMWA) Plot 226 Kisaasi, Kampala P.O BOX 7263, Kampala Uganda Tel: +256 414595125, +256 (0) 772 469 363 Fax: +256 414 543996 Email: umwa@umwamamafm.co.ug / umwa@infocom.co.ug