By Bazio Doreen.

By Bazio Doreen.

At least 4 out of 10 households in Uganda are moderate or severely food insecure, according to Uganda’s 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NHPC) report. Uganda also currently sits at 95th position out of 125 countries according to the 2023 Global Hunger Index. In West Nile, 48% of households are severely food insecure according to the NHPC report. In a region that is already prone to drought, the situation is further worsened by the hospitality of hosting the largest number of refugees in the country. With many households now receiving only 30% of food rations mainly cooking oil and grain; refugees in West Nile are now embracing agriculture as a resilience and coping mechanism – with solar irrigation offering a much-needed helping hand.

Testimonies.

In Terego District, Joseph Nakuni, 38, farmer and a resident of Alivu Village, Ndapi Parish, Omugo Sub County – an extension of Rhino Refugee Camp, says with a co-funding of shs 580,000/= for irrigation kits that cost shs 2.8 million in total, their Group started growing bio fresh potatoes after intervention from Danish Church Aid (DCA), an NGO. Building on the inspiration of the group earning shs 18 million in the first year of harvest, Nakuni also started his own 1.5 acre garden from which earns at least shs 3 million every season with the help of solar irrigation equipment which he got under UGiFT after paying shs 2 million as part of a co-fund.

“DCA was initially looking for farmer groups to grow bio-fresh potato which is nutritious for malnourished people and can be used to make potato flour for making porridge, chapati, and cakes. Seeing the opportunity in solar irrigation, I also started my farm. Last season, I got shs. 1 million from selling tomatoes, shs. 700,000 from selling cabbages, shs. 500,000 from selling watermelons and shs. 800,000 from sweet potatoes,” Nakuni explains.

Another farmer and refugee in Morobi Refugee Camp, Obongi District, Edward Lubang, 52, says embracing solar irrigation and establishing his garden, has enabled him to not only effortlessly fulfill his family’s basic needs but they are now healthier. Unlike 3 years ago, Lubang invested a capital of shs 300,000/= but now earns at least shs 15 million from growing vegetables which by affordability have a ready market thanks to a solar water pump received under the government’s Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program (UGiFT) which has a 25% co-funding requirement depending on the nature of farm and equipment required.

“I started when the plot of land I had was less than a quarter acre but right now I can hire more than two acres to grow vegetables. Feeding at home is no longer a problem, my children eat better, and I bought a tricycle and cattle. My target now is to raise shs 20 million in the next dry season,” Lubang says.

Similarly, in the nearby Maaji 1 Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District, Alumai Michael, 38, a refugee, and beneficiary of Ayuda En Accion says with improved access to water, they have been able to prioritize growing tomatoes and cabbages which earns them between shs 3 and 4 million each season. According to Alumai, who is the Chairperson of Atetapkwe Itego Youth Group which started in 2021, the group currently has 10 members, with 4 of them refugees. They got a solar water pump of shs 4,140,000/= from Sun Culture at a cost of shs 1,656,000/= as part of a co-fund with Ayuda en Accion.

“Initially, the women in the group used to fetch water from the nearby stream for us to water which made us get losses in cassava growing because it wasn’t sustainable. With the solar pump now available, we have since transitioned to vegetable growing which is more profitable and promising,” Alumai revealed.

When Palm Corps intervened in Madi Okollo district to uplift the lives of refugees through smart agriculture, by giving out solar water pumps to refugees in the camp, YK Duku, a resident of Odubu Zone, Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, took advantage of this donation and ventured into vegetable farming and was fortunate enough to supply tomatoes to Arua Main Market. He says he used the proceeds from the sale to acquire a motorcycle which has not only solved the challenge of transporting his produce but is a source of additional income. 

“When Palm Corps intervened, we were 50 who showed interest but later, others lost it. However, a few of us continued to get knowledge which has transformed our lives now. World Food Program only provides us with Posho, beans, and cooking oil which is insufficient amidst other basic needs,” Duku observed.

Women are also starting to appreciate the benefits of solar irrigation. For Zumura Viko, a resident of Rakatura Village, Kululu Sub County, Yumbe District; her fortune was struck by luck.  Among the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA)’s 30 members, she benefitted from a motorized borehole established for Umaruku Farmer Field School by Welthugerhilfe, an organization working in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. While they started farming in 2021, their efforts were frustrated by a lack of ready access to water due to the unreliable rainfall patterns. The group now earns at least shs 6.5 million from vegetable sales each season.

“To get clean water, you would have to walk about 10km away from the village so we looked at watering crops as a waste of water. Apart from growing cassava and simsim as a group, I tried to plant some tomatoes and onions around my home twice but because of the unreliable rainfall patterns, they all dried up and I got nothing because I couldn’t water them due to the challenges of getting water,” Zumura revealed.

Background of interventions.

In 2022, Uganda launched the Sustainable Energy Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities 2022-2025 (SERP) to enable all host and refugee communities to attain universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for socio-economic transformation in an environmentally sustainable manner.

In efforts to implement the SERP, several NGOs have embraced Solar Irrigation Interventions since 2022 to create for the refugees hope away from home. The different partners implementing Productive Use of Sustainable Energy/Productive Use of Energy projects in West Nile include Mercy Corps, JICA, Welthugerhilfe, Palm Corps, Fermi Nature, Food and Agricultural Organization, Lutheran World Federation, GIZ, Self Help Africa, Action Against Hunger, and Food for the Hungry.

Besides the SERP, the government has drafted and developed the Uganda Solar Water Pumping Report (July 2019); National Irrigation Policy (November 2017); District Development Plans;  and National Road Map on Scaling Up Productive Use of Solar Energy and Revised Energy Policy for Uganda (2023). The government has also further implemented programs like the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP), Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Irrigation Development and Climate Resilience Project (IDCRP), and the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program Project for Uganda (UGiFT). Though with unique challenges on either side, the government and NGOs haven’t been able to achieve the anticipated level of uptake.

 Challenges.

The journey hasn’t been rosy. According to Andama Alexander, Project Manager, Palm Corps – Adjumani District, during the time they made interventions, they realized that many refugees prefer fully funded solar water pumping kits. Many refugee households also have low, irregular, or seasonal incomes, which affects their ability to pay for off-grid solutions. On average, 60% of their monthly income is spent on food expenditures, followed by other necessities. This makes most refugee households unable or unwilling to pay for energy products in one lump sum with service providers wary of extending credit due to the risk of consumer default. This is not unique to them alone.

Laze Dennis, Sales Manager – Sun Culture, Adjumani, testifies that out of the 28 solar water pumps so far given out since July 2024, 21 were taken on credit adding that refugees only picked interest because of the subsidization based on their previous 2 years’ experience in Uganda. Previously, between January and June 2024, there were no refugees interested until NGOs came in with a subsidy.

Government programs aren’t spared either. According to Francis Abiriga, the Madi Okollo District Agricultural Officer, and also the Focal Person for the UGiFT Micro Scale Irrigation project, says that the usage of solar irrigation by small-scale farmers still stands at 1% due to the high cost of co-funding under interventions for both NGOs and government.   Under UGiFT for example, the program is conditioned by a 25% high co-funding rate which some farmers cannot afford. The government pays between 25% – 75% of the total cost of the equipment depending on the acreage and nature of the farm with a maximum cost of shs 7.2 million. This means that a farmer may pay between shs 2 million and shs 8 million. Abiriga also believes that the provision of tractors and subsidies to the community would increase production and peaceful co-existence between the refugees and the host community.

However, even with the subsidies in place, some projects were futile. Annet Lekuru, the Executive Director – of Fermi Nature Uganda, Ma’di Okollo District, says some projects haven’t been sustained due to:  vandalism, poor attitude of refugees towards farming, the conflict between the landlords and refugees, and lack of skills among the farmers to operate the solar pumps. Scalability has also been a challenge as some service providers and NGOs lack the capital to expand to other refugee settlements, which requires policymakers to intervene.

Enhancing uptake.

According to Paddy Bakengana, the Program Manager – Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA), the institution intends to run a solar energy uptake campaign in all refugee settlements starting in November 2024. With support from GIZ, which will be paying up to 60% of the cost of technologies for beneficiaries, the institution intends to demonstrate the way how solar technologies work to improve uptake. This is key for sectors like Agriculture where Paddy estimates that only 5% of small-scale farmers have access to solar technologies/equipment.  

Currently, the USEA is also advocating for the introduction of incentives to solar energy beneficiaries by January 2025 – something similar to carbon credits. This move, Paddy believes will not only increase uptake but counteract myths that solar technologies are facilitating climate change by polluting the environment. But this is not enough, there is a need for innovation and creativity to scale up awareness and build credibility in the sector.

In agreement, Erasto Kivumbi Muwanga, Livelihood Officer, UNHCR Sub Office, Pakele–Adjumani, observes that refugees are used to handouts from UNHCR, OPM, and other partners and thus dialogue is needed for mindset change. Sensitization on the available projects should be taken to settlements instead of relying on radio talk shows alone.

About SERP.

The SERP has pillars of Standalone solar-powered off-grid solutions; Energy-efficient appliances for the grid and off-grid use; Smart financing, subsidies, and supplier incentives; Solar kiosks and solar power hubs/centers; and Solar thermal systems (e.g. for cooling or drying fruits, vegetables, and herbs).

The SERP is linked to the Final Water and Environment Sector Refugee Response Plan by contributing to the achievement of this plan’s objectives to reduce the overexploitation of resources, improve access to sustainable energy, and improve the sustainable management of water supply in refugee settlements. The SERP also overlaps with the Jobs and Livelihoods Integrated Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities by supporting an increase in affordable on-grid and off-grid energy solutions to increase business competitiveness in refugee settlements and host communities.

West Nile has 314,624 refugees according to the 2024 Uganda National Population and Housing Census report. 79.1% of households are involved in agriculture. 3.5% of households practice irrigation. About 40% of the world’s food production is currently facilitated by irrigation. In a world that is warming up quickly, irrigated agriculture is becoming more and more crucial for both food security and climate resilience.

In Uganda, 33% of the population is unable to meet their basic needs due to the absence of sufficient access to energy. Until recently, access to energy was not prioritized in interventions with displaced populations, as securing food and shelter was a more pressing need. However, increasing access to energy for productive use is now considered a key part of achieving long-term resilience and self-reliance within the refugee and host populations, which is one of the main pillars of Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF).

This story was produced with the support of the African Media Excellence (ACME) in Partnership with the Charles Steward Mott Foundation.

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By Bazio Doreen.

As Uganda explores avenues for economic growth and diversification, fish farming, or aquaculture, continues to emerge as a highly promising sector. With the country’s vast water resources covering 18% of the surface area, favorable climate, and increasing domestic and international demand for fish, Uganda offers a compelling investment opportunity in fish farming. Over the past decade, fish farming in Uganda has seen substantial growth.

With arguably one of the largest markets in Northern Uganda, the estimated 340 fresh fish traders in Adjumani District on average sell 1,354 tonnes of fish each year, 113 tonnes per month, and 28 tonnes per week. Fresh fish farmers in Adjumani source their fish mainly from the lake and river (Albert Nile) and middlemen. In the nearby Moyo and Obongi districts, which are separated from Adjumani by the River Nile at Laropi and Palorinya landing sites, respectively, the two major markets for fish in the Ma’di Subregion, there is an extremely lively trade in both fresh and processed catches from the river. Consignments are delivered every day to these markets from the landings of Laropi, Palorinya, Obongi, Liri, Ara, Pamujua, Magburu, and other more minor sites by scores of petty traders who carry their loads by foot or on bicycles. 

The value of the fresh fish market in Adjumani is estimated at shs 7.1 billion ($1,936,789) with an average price per kg at shs 5,241/= ($1.43), revenue per week at shs 147,877,950/= ($40,350), and revenue per month at shs 591,580,230/= ($161,399). Unfortunately, even with this seemingly vibrant business, 59% of the fresh fish produced is not exported. Traders mainly sell to the domestic market, where households are the main customers. Only 41% is exported to the DRC and South Sudan.

A 2023 study conducted by Ayuda en Accion, an NGO, reveals that only a third of fish traders in Adjumani use a fridge/freezer (powered by electricity) for storage and preservation, a move that is further frustrated by unstable power supply until recently when West Nile was connected to the national grid.

Solar energy thus provides an alternative. If the traders are to opt for solar-powered fridges, they would have to part with a weekly installment payment of shs 29,320/= ($8) on a pay-as-you-go down payment of shs 348,152/= ($95) against an average weekly income of shs 542,366/= ($148). Fish farmers can afford solar fridges on a pay-go model as the weekly loan service fee of shs 29,320/= ($8) is just 5.5% of their weekly revenues. But solar-powered technologies could even offer more opportunities to increase income by reducing post-harvest losses that are estimated to be between 5% and 10%.

Solar-powered technologies would favor both the storage of fresh fish and the drying of fish for exportation. Only 30% of traders use the fridge for storage, as most traders prefer other storage methods like drying (3%), covering with polythene (6%), open-air (9%), ice (12%), smoke (21%), and freshwater (18%).

Due to the usage of traditional methods, the Adjumani market can’t satisfy the high export demand for smoked fish, especially catfish, to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Up to 98% of dried fish is sold locally. To exploit this big export opportunity, there is thus a need for innovative renewable energy solutions like solar dryers.

With the sale of 41 tonnes per week, 166 per month, and 1987 tonnes annually, there is a high market size and value for dried fish. The current modes of drying, like smoking by charcoal (37%), salted sun drying (42%), and smoking by firewood (21%), used by traders, can’t sustain the big export market. With solar dryers, it would take less than roughly 24 hours to smoke fish and even reduce further the costs of between shs 5,000/= to shs 10,000/= of the finished product.

However, beyond the East African borders, the aquaculture sector can even be more ambitious. With the right infrastructure and quality standards, Ugandan fish can access lucrative international markets with the European Union, United States, and regional markets presenting export opportunities and thus contributing to foreign exchange earnings.

But a quality finished product that can compete on an international market starts with caution and creativity right from the point of production. As fish farmers set out to cast their nets far and wide, they need to start embracing solar lanterns, which could help avert challenges posed by kerosene lanterns, which can be both expensive and dangerous, thus increasing incomes by saving fuel expenses.

These enterprises represent a clear opportunity for the deployment of either community mini-grids or standalone solar systems. However, access to energy in general, let alone renewable energy in Uganda, is still low. Only 38% of Ugandans have access to some form of electricity. Although solar energy has picked up lately, it stands at a mere 8%.

Despite this, it is promising that of the 400 off-grid solar companies in Uganda, 55% serve the aquaculture sector through technologies for lighting, refrigerators, and solar water pumps. Until Uganda’s agriculture and aquaculture sectors are modernized with sustainably powered technologies, the country risks missing its development targets of reducing poverty, boosting prosperity, and creating jobs, especially for women and youth.

Apart from being the 7^th highest inland fishery production in the world, the aquaculture sector in Uganda supports the livelihoods of over 5.3 million people and directly employs over 1.2 million people. Most importantly for Adjumani, which hosts about 244,374 South Sudanese refugees, fish from the river is the only regularly available source of animal protein for the displaced, who otherwise depend heavily on the assistance of relief agencies for the provision of basic needs.

This article was produced with the support of the African Media Excellence (ACME) in partnership with the Charles Steward Mott Foundation.

END.

By Bazio Doreen.

According to estimates by USAID’s Uganda Off-Grid Energy Market Accelerator Report, farmers could increase their income by 30% through value addition and efficiency if they employed the productive use of energy (PUE). However, the adoption of PUE technologies by the agriculture sector has so far been limited, with even less uptake among refugee households. Beyond mere sustenance of livelihoods, agriculture offers refugees additional opportunities to cultivate hope and generate extra income thus contributing to the economic development of their host communities.

In 2022, Uganda launched the Sustainable Energy Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities 2022-2025 (SERP) to enable all host and refugee communities to attain universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for socio-economic transformation in an environmentally sustainable manner. Indeed, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and various development and implementing partners have been able to create hope away from home for the refugees in fulfillment of the SERP.

Beneficiaries’ testimonies.

Since 2023, Ayuda en Accion (AeA), has been able to give out 163 solar water pumps through its partners, Tulima Solar and Sun Culture in Adjumani, Obongi, and Lamwo districts. Under Tulima Solar, the solar pumps are given out at shs 900,000/= for host communities and shs 720,000/= for refugees but with shs 70,000/= if paid in installments while Sun Culture gives them out at shs 2 million for host communities (AeA pays 50% for the farmer) and shs 1.6 million for refugees (AeA pays 60% for the farmer). The Pilot of the project was done in 2023 and now phase II which started in July 2024 is expected to end in December 2025.

According to Mr. Alumai Michael, 38, a beneficiary under Sun Culture and Chairperson of Atetapkwe Itego Youth Group in Maaji I Refugee Settlement, Ukusijioni Sub County – Adjumani District, with improved access to water, they have been able to prioritize growing tomatoes and cabbages which earns them between shs 3 and 4 million each season. The group started in 2021, and currently has 10 members, with 4 of them refugees.

“Initially, the women in the group used to fetch water from the nearby stream for us to water which made us get losses in cassava growing because it wasn’t sustainable. With the solar pump now available, we have since transitioned to vegetable growing which is more profitable and promising,” Alumai revealed.

Alumai demonstrates how the solar water pump works. Photo by Doreen Bazio.

Similarly, in Yumbe District, with support from Welthugerhilfe, an organization working in the Bidibidi Refugee settlement; Umaruku Farmer Field School has seen their fortune change. Started in 2021, the group consists of 30 members and besides farming, the group members also participate in the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA).

Yassin and another group member in their garden. Photo by Elema Robert.

Mr. Yassin Ayimani, 43, the Chairperson of the group and a resident of Rakatura Village in Kululu Sub County, in Yumbe district, says, they first selected cassava production as their main enterprise but they always got losses because they mainly depended on rainwater. The choice of cassava was because it can survive in the hot sun as long as it sprouts. They have since transitioned to tomatoes and cabbages and haven’t looked back.  

“When Welthugerhilfe brought the idea of motorizing our borehole, we were very excited because they also shared the plan of supporting us with irrigation equipment if we secured an acre piece of land near the water point. The irrigation system is helping us to benefit a lot because the vegetables can be planted at any time and there is a ready market for them, unlike cassava. In the first harvest, we realized Shs 6.5 million from the sales of tomatoes and cabbages and the money has been put in our VSLA so, we have about Shs 14 million including our money for the savings,” Ayimani excitedly narrated.  

In Ma’di Okollo and Adjumani, Palm Corps, between 2019 and 2022, gave out solar pumps to 25 groups (15 – 21 members) in each district. In Ma’di Okollo, it was implemented in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement while in Adjumani it was done in Maaji and Pagirinya Refugee Settlements.   

Duku demonstrates how to use the solar pump at Odobu Zone in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. Photo by Victor Andama.

YK Duku, a South Sudanese Refugee at Odubu Zone, Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, narrates that, in 2023, he supplied tomatoes to Arua Main Market. He says he used the proceeds from the sale to acquire a motorcycle.  

“When Palm Corps intervened, we were 50 who showed interest but later, others lost it. However, a few of us continued to get knowledge which has transformed our lives now. World Food Program only provides us with Posho, beans, and cooking oil which is insufficient amidst other basic needs,” Duku observed. 

Challenges.

Refugee households lack available land for farming amidst the ever-dwindling food rations and support from the World Food Program and other partners respectively. Moreover, Northern Uganda and West Nile are prone to drought. Many refugee households also have low, irregular, or seasonal incomes, which affects their ability to pay for off-grid solutions. On average, 60% of their monthly income is spent on food expenditures, followed by other necessities. This makes most of refugee households unable or unwilling to pay for energy products in one lump sum with service providers wary of extending credit due to the risk of consumer default.

Andama Alexander, Project Manager, Palm Corps – Adjumani District, reveals that during the time they made interventions, they realized that many refugees prefer fully funded solar water pumping kits.  At the end of the 4-year project, only 21 refugees benefitted out of 375 beneficiaries. This is not unique to them alone.

According to Laze Dennis, Sales Manager – Sun Culture, Adjumani, out of the 28 solar water pumps so far given out since July 2024, 21 were taken on credit adding that refugees only picked interest because of the subsidization based on their previous 2 years’ experience in Uganda. Previously, between January and June 2024, there were no refugees interested until AeA came in with a subsidy. However, there is still also evident competition from fuel pumps.

Similarly, according to Rodrick Okello, Sales Manager – Tulima Solar, which serves Lamwo, Obongi, and Adjumani districts, only 2 refugees in Adjumani (out of 7) have taken the solar pumps since May 2024.  However, 18 have been sold in the Lamwo district and 110 in the Obongi District. He observes that the low uptake among refugees is because they think it should be free of charge.

 However, some of the projects were futile as they have since collapsed. Annet Lekuru, the Executive Director of Fermi Nature Uganda, Ma’di Okollo District, says some projects haven’t been sustained due to:  vandalism, poor attitude of refugees towards farming, the conflict between the landlords and refugees, and lack of skills among the farmers to operate the solar pumps. Scalability has also been a challenge as some service providers and NGOs lack the capital to expand to other refugee settlements, which requires policymakers to intervene.

Government Effort.

Besides the SERP, government has drafted and developed the Uganda Solar Water Pumping Report (July 2019); National Irrigation Policy (November 2017); District Development Plan IIIs;  and National Road Map on Scaling Up Productive use of Solar Energy and Revised Energy Policy for Uganda (2023). Government has also further implemented programs like Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP), Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Irrigation Development and Climate Resilience Project (IDCRP).and The Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program Project for Uganda (UGiFT). These however, also have their own challenges as they aren’t any different from those of NGOs.

 Francis Abiriga, the Madi Okollo District Agricultural Officer, and also the Focal Person for the Micro Scale Irrigation project, says the program is aimed at increasing solar irrigation accessibility to the citizens but this has been conditioned by high co-funding rate which some farmers cannot afford. Abiriga says the 25% rate is too high which the government should review in order to have solar irrigation promoted among the communities. Currently, Abiriga says the usage of solar irrigation at community level stands at 1%, which is against the efforts put to conserve environment. Since government programs entirely target the citizens, Abiriga also believes that provision of tractors and subsidies to the community would increase production and peaceful co-existence between the refugees and the host community.

Enhance uptake.

To provide some sort of explanation on the low uptake from refugees, Erasto Kivumbi Muwanga, Livelihood Officer, UNHCR Sub Office, Pakele – Adjumani, observes that refugees are used to handouts from UNHCR, OPM and other partners and thus dialogue is needed for mindset change.

In agreement, David Okello, Project Manager, Ayuda En Accion, also says sensitization on the available projects should be taken to settlements instead of relying on radio talk shows alone. This he says is key because the refugees are vulnerable, and can’t afford the pumps. However, access to subsidies or co funding would be help increase uptake.

Rodrick also says subsidies will enable to increase the number of sector players/service providers from the current 5 – 6 to the ideal 25. He also says, there is a need to map out areas with high vegetable production potential. This is very important for sustainability of the projects when the partners/NGOs/government phases out.

In efforts to implement the SERP, a number of NGOs have since embraced Solar Irrigation Interventions since 2022. The different partners implementing PUSE/PUE projects in West Nile include: Mercy Corps, JICA, Welthugerhilfe, Palm Corps, Fermi Nature, Food and Agricultural Organization, Lutheran World Federation, GIZ, Self Help Africa, Action against Hunger, and Food for the Hungry.

The SERP has pillars of: Standalone solar-powered off-grid solutions; Energy-efficient appliances for grid and off-grid use; Smart financing, subsidies, and supplier incentives; Solar kiosks and solar power hubs/centres; and Solar thermal systems (e.g. for cooling or drying fruits, vegetables, and herbs).

The SERP is linked to the Final Water and Environment Sector Refugee Response Plan by contributing to the achievement of this plan’s objectives to reduce the overexploitation of resources, improve access to sustainable energy, and improve the sustainable management of water supply in refugee settlements. The SERP also overlaps with the Jobs and Livelihoods Integrated Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities by supporting an increase in affordable on-grid and off-grid energy solutions to increase business competitiveness in refugee settlements and host communities.

In Uganda, 33% of the population is unable to meet their basic needs due to the absence of sufficient access to energy. Until recently, access to energy was not prioritized in interventions with displaced populations, as securing food and shelter was a more pressing need. However, increasing access to energy for productive use is now considered a key part of achieving long-term resilience and self-reliance within the refugee and host populations, which is one of the main pillars of Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF).

This story was developed and published through a story grant funding from Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC).

END.

By: Amacha Goli.

Adjumani, (UG):- The countdown for the election of the Lopirigo of Madi is on following the successful endorsement of the Constitution of the Madi Cultural Institution (Opi Madi Dri i) and the Electoral Guidelines by the clan chiefs in a meeting held at Adjumani district council hall on August 6, 2024.

During the heated meeting, which was co-chaired by Mr Ramadhan Mawadri and Mr Anyama David, District Community Development Officers (DCDOs) of Adjumani and Moyo respectively, the chiefs have unanimously agreed to have the elections conducted on August 23rd, 2024, following a resolve on the elections’ guidelines that MADCEF prepared.

Five clan chiefs have shown interest in contesting for the seat of Lopirigo (Paramount chief) the head of Madi Cultural Institution.

Amacha Goli, DailyExpress’ Bureau chief in West Nile and Board Member Media4All, Uganda brings to you the profiles of the five chiefs who have confirmed their interest in vying for the coveted position of the Lopirigo of Madi Cultural Institution.

The Interim Lopirigo of Madi Opi Drani Stephen Izakare.

The Interim Paramount Chief Opi Drani Stephen Izakare chief of the Palanyua clan, would not disclose details of his academic profile to our reporter. Still, sources close to his throne reveal that during his primary school days, he was among the devoted parishioners of Kampala Miracle Centre it was from there that a foster parent from England identified him and took them to England for further spiritual nurturing.

He was elected in 2011 to serve for 5 years as interim Lopirigo of Madi. He assigned the task of revitalizing the Madi cultural Institution by preparing the ground for the election of a substantive Lopirigo an assignment he failed to accomplish and instead indulged in agendas targeting personality progress amidst further dissolute gaffes.

Opi Drani commands some degree of exposure based on his long spell in Europe and his cross-culture collaborations’ after he was elected in the executive committee of Africa Union (AU) Cultural Institutions Association.’

Opi Drani is the nephew of the first Lopirigo of Madi  Opi Izama Angelo of the Palanyua clan, following the constitutional amendment of 1963, that recognized other cultural institutions in Uganda, district councils were then instructed to ensure that each district has a paramount chief, and that was when Madi district council approved Izama Angelo as Lopirigo of Madi.

Izama Angelo is the father of the Supreme Court Judge Christopher Izama and the grandfather of former Daily Monitor journalist, now Board member of Uganda Investment Authority Izama Angelo.

Opi (Chief) Suru Simon Baru of Pakele Chiefdom.

The Chief of Pakile Chiefdom Opi Suru Simon Baru the VIII is 66 years old, he holds a diploma in Gender and Development with a summative wealth of working experience both in the government and private sector, he worked in the Uganda police force in the regime of president Idi Amin Dada.

After the fall of the government of President Amin, he joined civil service and briefly served as parish chief, he was elevated to the position of sub-county chief and deployed in the greater Pakele (Pakele sub-county, Pakele Town council, Ofua sub-county and Itirikwa sub-county), and then rose to the post of County chief and deployed in East Moyo County.

Opi Suru then joined politics and was elected the LCIII chairman of Ofua sub-county and upgraded to district local Councilor in the then Moyo district council, He left politics and joined refugees Operations serving as the deputy refugees desk officer OPM in Adjumani.

Back to politics and represented the people of Ofua Sub County in Adjumani district council before retiring to serve his subjects in Pakile Chiefdom when Madi Elders Forum led by Mama Angela Kaba (RIP) plotted the advocacy for the restoration of Madi Cultural Institution in 2010.

He participated in the pacification of Apaa conflict when he was named a member of the Madi peace team that was headed by the former prime minister Hon. Rukuhana Rugunda the team successfully completed the task assigned to them and handed over the report to President Yoweri Museveni.

He is married to a Madi woman with a number of children who are actively involved in their own capacities in the development of the district and Uganda.

Opi (Chief) Avuku Simon Kutulungu 1V of Metu Li.

After the death of Chief of Metu Li, Daniel Kutulungu III, there was a vacuum which was recently filled by Opi Avuku Simon Kutulungu the IV, he was installed by a council of Pamujo Elders on June 22, 2024, in a low-key ceremony that was witnessed by the Moyo assistant RDC Mr. Julius Nyerere.

Opi Avuku Kutulungu IV, went to the prestigious Kings College Buddo for his Advanced Level secondary education and joined Makerere University where he obtained a degree in Social Works and Social Administration (SWASA).

Opi Avuku secured his first job with New Vision Printing and Publishing Corporations (Vision Group) as principal administrative officer serving for 10 years, a task he handled dedicatedly and with an excellent record.

 He decided to return home and joined local government as town clerk, Moyo town council. He made some strides in the development of Moyo Town Council, he laid the foundation for the construction of the current office complex. For reasons he could not disclose, Opi Avuku left Moyo town council after serving for 5 years.

Opi Avuku was engaged by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and held the position of Manager of Administration for 10 years, Opi Avuku is 58 years old, a family man, married to a Muganda lady and happily settled with children.

The reigning Palaro Clan chief, Opi Zackary Beka.

The reigning Palaro clan Chief Opi Beka Zachary was born on  November 5, 1956. He is a clan chief who has been in the spotlight of Madi Cultural Institution, In January 2024, he invited Gen.Muhoozi Kainerugba (MK) for his installation ceremony but MK was represented by Kitgum woman MP Hon.Lilian Aber, the minister of state for relief in Office of Prime Minister.

Opi Zackary is a product of Lodonga TTC(PTC), graduating as a grade II teacher, his first assignment was in Odu Primary school in Pakele sub-county in the present-day Itirikwa sub-county where he had a very brief stint and later forsaken the profession.

 He later pursued a diploma in stores management during his 12 years stint as a fuel clerk with LWF and AAH both Implementing partners of UNHCR, During his tenure as fuel clerk, he maintained a glaring record until his contract ran out in 2007, Opi Zackary is amongst the visibly few well to do chiefs in Madi sub-region as he is overseeing a huge chunk of land and a reasonable herd of cattle.

Opi Akuti Moses Chokiri Debele IV of Adropi Elu clan.

The towering Opi Akuti Moses Chokiri Debele was born on May 18, 1964, he attended his elementary education at Biyaya primary school in Adjumani town council and could not advance till the opportunity presented after joining the Born Again churches.

Opi Chokiri attended theology school of the African Ministry in Entebbe in 2003-4 and attained a diploma in Theological studies.

He was elected treasurer of the Association of born again churches in Adjumani a position he held for 7 years before taking up the call to lead the people of the Adropi Elu clan.

Opi Chokiri is a farmer and a soft-spoken public speaker whose inspirational public speaking is in the epoch where most of the leaders in our country and Madi sub-region indulge in irrational and non-inspiring public communication.

The Madi people have been without a Cultural Institution for about 50 years after the government banned all cultural Institutions in the country following the 1966 Buganda crisis during the tenure of President Milton Obote.

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By Marko Taibot

The Bishop of Ma’di and West Diocese, Rt Rev Bishop Collins Andaku, has called up education stakeholders to support the sector to eradicate poverty and ignorance in the community. The Bishop made the call while presiding over the 20th anniversary of Mummy’s care Nursery and Primary in Adjumani. The Bishop lauded the proprietors of the school for investing in education observing that it would go a long way in transforming the lives of many people both refugees and nationals in the district.

“This is the best investment done for the people in this land, an institution where you are investing for the future of our land, an investment which is going to fight ignorance, fight poverty and moral decadency in society,” Andaku said. He added that “there are many people who are investing in things that destroy mankind, but this school is going to transform lives of many in the region.”

The Bishop also challenged the parents saying they are very key to the success of the education of their children before appealing to parents to always teach their children to be God-fearing as a core value of being successful in life.

Mr. Onesimus Dralega, the proprietor of the school while addressing the stakeholders pointed out that 20 years ago, reading with proficiency was a challenge and even learners in Primary Seven were struggling to read during examinations.

“I was one day invited as a chief guest to celebrate the best performance and at that time the best candidates passed in division three, and the whole district performed very poorly, we then said what could be done to improve performance, I did a pilot study and asked the authorities of the town council to allow me to start an early learning center,” Dralega said

He also noted that at the time they opened the school, there were only 4 learners and that brave parents had risked sending their children to them but now they boast of more than 500 with about 40% of the learners being refugees.

The Adjumani District Chairperson, Hon. Ben Anyama, applauded the school founders for opening Mummy’s Care Primary School which according to him has helped in decongesting some of the government schools that have high enrolment due to the presence of the refugees.

“Our schools are now congested, the classrooms are not even enough, the private sector has done a tremendous job by opening the private schools,” Anyama said.

According to the Head Teacher of the school, Mr. Justine Alule, the school has been performing well because of the motivation of the teachers, effective time management, and consistent study habits. The school started presenting candidates in the Primary Leaving Examination in 2015 when the school had no examination center number where 32 learners were presented and 27 passed in the second division and 5 division in three. Adjumani district has got 172 primary schools and 134 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. Celebrating 20 years of academic performance is a significant milestone for Mummy’s Care Primary School. It is a proud moment for the entire school community, including learners, teachers, and parents. Such achievements reflect dedication and commitment to education.

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By Bazio Doreen.

82% of refugee households in Adjumani face mental health issues commonly referred to as ‘riak-nhom’ (disturbed mind) in Diinka (The most prominent South Sudan Language) according to findings in a 2021 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Baseline Assessment report done by Alliance Forum for Development (AFOD). A 2021 World Bank study also stated that refugees in Uganda are ten times more prone to experience depression symptoms with incidences much higher among females. As some of the victims share their experiences, it is now evident that the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and other partners in Adjumani have created hope away from home for refugee women and girls facing mental health issues especially due to limited access to basic needs.

Beneficiaries’ testimonies.

One such beneficiary is Christine Kiliha who used to be among the 14% of refugees in Adjumani who abuse drugs. Kiliha, 36, a South Sudanese refugee living in Pagirinya, married, mother of 8, reveals that she started abusing drugs after failing to cope with the challenges that come with having a husband who is less supportive amidst the ever-dwindling food ration and limited access to other basic needs. Unfortunately, Kiliha, only received help from Lutheran World Federation (LWF) after she had miscarried and was in dire need of psychosocial support. All this was happening amid memories of how she almost lost her life when she first got pregnant at 13.

“I got pregnant at the age of 13 but out of fear to disclose, I continued to do manual labor until my father discovered my secret. My father threatened to kill me and I had to stay away from home for two months. I started marriage on a bad note and am now worried that my daughter is already facing the same at 11,” Kiliha narrates.

For Dudu Betty, 37, a widow, South Sudanese living in the Borooli settlement, and mother of 4, it was tough to cope with the sudden loss of her husband to a fatal accident. This she recalls made her have a miscarriage because she couldn’t take the thought of having to suddenly fend for her 4 children and the other 3 that her husband had brought into the home when they got married. This burden was however lessened when she attended group sessions organized by LWF with other widows.

“I was stressed and confused because I had just lost a stepson who was s supporting me and my husband fend for the family,” Dudu recalls.

Nabwire Martha, a clinical Psychologist with LWF, observes that they try to minimize relapses of beneficiaries into depression disorders by giving out financial grants to some of them. She also observes that this has enabled the women to become more productive because the project also empowers them to identify sources of income/livelihood. Those who were previously stigmatized are also supported to gain back their self-esteem in the community. In 2023 alone, LWF reached out to 2,902 women with funding from UNHCR and 553 women with support from other partners. LWF works in all the 19 refugee settlements in the district. However, as NGOs empower women, this comes with negative effects too. There is a risk of Gender-Based Violence, as many men feel that they are ignored or left out. The stronger and braver women leave their husbands to fend alone for the family.

Mary Candia, 44, a South Sudanese refugee from Kajokeji, widow, and mother of 7, left her husband who she reveals wasn’t supporting her to meet the family’s basic needs. She has since decided to resort to farming and doing casual work as a source of income. She also adds that the charcoal business had progressed but old age has now caught up with her and she can’t do much.

“After I lost my husband, I decided to get another man but I was forced to also abandon him because he wasn’t supportive. He couldn’t even fend for the 2 children that I had for him. When you don’t have money, it is easy to think about suicide. But that has since changed after receiving counseling. I use the little money I get for basic needs because I can’t afford school fees” Candia says.

Sr Alice Bunia, the officer-in-charge of Mental Health at Adjumani General Hospital, states that the district records at least 2,000 cases of mental health disorders and about 10 cases of suicide each year.

For Drania Unichi, from Nimule – South Sudan living in Maaji settlement, and married with two children, the case is quite different. She was abandoned by her husband when she was just 6 months pregnant. This was after they fought because he wasn’t supportive even while he is a farmer. She now does casual work and hairdressing to support the young family.

According to Alice Azunyo, a Child Protection Assistant – World Vision, under a 3-year (2022 – 2025) project funded by the Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they have reached out to 492 refugee women in Mungula and Maaji refugee settlements. Under the Problem Management Plus (PMP) Program, beneficiaries from Child Protection and VSLA engagements are identified to benefit from mental health sessions where they share their problems and possible solutions for advice and scrutiny. Alice also observes that due to the PMP program, there has been a decrease in cases of Gender Based Violence because women learn techniques to calm down emotions not only their emotions but those of their intimate partners. There has also been a decrease in child neglect and child abuse due to improved livelihoods, and reduced alcoholism. Women usually mistreat their children because they fear to attack their husbands/men.

This is very likely for women like Anzoa Gift who get married when they are helpless or vulnerable. Anzoa, 21, a South Sudanese living in Pagirinya, married with one child, was chased away from home after it was discovered that she was being courted by a boy. Unfortunately, she ended up with a man who wasn’t worth the effort. Her husband was shortly arrested for defilement. At the time, she was pregnant and had to start selling snacks to be able to start paying up the loan of her husband while he served his sentence and negotiated with the family of her co-wife. Abortion thus became an option but she was counseled out of it under a project by Tutapona, a mental health-focused NGO working in Adjumani.

“After my husband was arrested for defilement, I was so depressed because I felt so alone. I felt abortion was an option because I had entered marriage unwillingly,” Anzoa explains.

According to Asienzo Agnes, a Mental Health Field Facilitator, since 2014, Tutapona has run 3 projects in Nyumanzi, Borooli, Ayilo, Olua, Pagirinya, and Agojo settlements through a gradual process of psychosocial support and awareness, mentorship, referrals, exhibitions, and counseling that is needs-based. In 2023, they reached out to 191 women out of 340 beneficiaries.

Other interventions.

Indeed young people like Anzoa need innovative ways of helping them break barriers on mental health issues. Right to Play (RTP), an NGO working in Pagirinya settlement, Adjumani was creative enough to improve the skills and capacities of refugee and host community youth to support their psychosocial well-being and mental health through enriched access to safe sport. With funding from the Olympic Refugee Foundation, between August 2020 and July 2023, RTP in a consortium of 4 other partners has reached out to 11, 668 vulnerable youth between 15 – 24 years, in 4 refugee hosting districts through soccer, and netball. In Adjumani, RTP has enrolled 168 females, created 7 youth spaces, and 12 groups, done 12 home visits, and established 18 sports clubs.

In other similar projects, the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) and UN Women, between 2016 and 2020 implemented the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy project with about 28,225 women and girls’ beneficiaries receiving counseling, training on positive coping mechanisms and life skills after screening. Jesuit Refugee Services, another NGO, in 2023 also supported 1,387 women out of 1,744 beneficiaries to improve resilience, psychosocial well-being, and positive coping mechanisms to come to terms with past traumatic experiences and future shocks through training, sensitization and emergency support in thematic areas of child protection and Sexual Gender Based Violence. In a project that started running from December 2023 and ends in August 2025, Emesco Development Foundation has also so far treated 299 women out of 528 beneficiaries during the 36 out of 80 outreaches so far conducted in Agojo, Alere, Oliji, and Elema settlements.

Adjumani hosts about 244,374 refugees in 19 settlements. 85% (182,977) of the population are women and children.  55% of the 1,500,000 refugees living in Uganda are from South Sudan. The Refugee Response Plan (RRP) 2019-2020 emphasizes the reinforcement of MHPSS services and infrastructure as a key priority. However, according to UNHCR, as of October 2019, the RRP was funded at only 39%. Earlier this year, partners started joint efforts in Maaji and Ayilo settlements in Adjumani to be able to meet an increasing demand for mental health services. AFOD, an NGO that has been working in Adjumani since 2016 has also received funding under which they acquired 10 acres of land in Rende Village, Adropi Sub County, to construct a Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre. 

Government effort.

In April 2022, the Ministry Of Health (MOH), Uganda drafted and validated the first national mental health strategic plan (2022 -2026) which seeks to among other functions strengthen mental health response and provide comprehensive, integrated, and responsive mental health care. The subject of mental health has gained increased attention in recent years, with most initiatives focused on attempts to decentralize and integrate mental health into primary health care. Unfortunately, there are only 53 psychiatrists in Uganda, most in urban areas. The Mental Health Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) working group in Kampala has been operational and meeting monthly since May 2019, with similar groups established at the settlement level. However, despite some positive reforms in Uganda’s mental health landscape, according to MOH the prevalence of mental health problems remained as high as 30% as of November 2023.

This story was published in partnership and with funding from Baraza Media Lab, Kenya.

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By Bazio Doreen.

A new 5 year (2022 – 2027) project funded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and implemented by the Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET) is expected to strengthen the Criminal Justice System and the ability to respond to organized crime and related threats in Adjumani. It however focuses on extremist violent crimes and abuse of drugs. This is key because only 80% of Ugandans can afford a lawyer and only 10% have access to the services of a lawyer. All this amidst the absence and pending approval of the National Legal Aid Law.

While launching the project on 24^th July 2024 in the new Adjumani District Council hall, LASPNET CEO, Dr. Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa, said that they recognize the role played by the local government and commended the district leadership for demonstrating readiness and commitment to achieve the project objectives. She also explained that while they submitted a budget to UNODC timely in August 2023, funds were only sent in June 2024.

While responding to the comment, the District Chairperson, Hon. Anyama Ben, observed that the intervention is timely as the district continues to grapple with dwindling funds to support both refugees and their host communities. He also observed that most of the support towards justice processes is mainly funded/implemented by NGOs and commended them for their efforts.

On his part, the PACAO, Mr. Edema Richard thanked LASPNET for choosing Adjumani to be one of the 20 districts where the UNODC project will be implemented. He also appreciated LASPENT for donating 3 bicycles to support those who will be involved in the implementation of the project.

Established in 2004, LASPNET is a national member-based non-governmental organization that has 56 LASPs spread across 80 districts countrywide. LASPNET also has a wide network of members and partners that include: Uganda Law Society, Law Development Centre, Justice Defenders, and Hague Institute for Innovation of Law and Justice Centre Uganda.

The project outcomes include: strengthening mechanisms for court administration and case management; increasing access to quality legal aid services for the vulnerable; promoting of alternatives to imprisonment; crime prevention among the youth; and protecting the economy of Uganda from illicit financial flows and money laundering.

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By Bazio Doreen.

Before you visit a remote village in the Pearl of Africa; you could easily assume that more than half of Uganda’s population have access to electricity as households in major cities do.

Far from this assumption, the truth is that only about 30% of Ugandans have access to electricity. While this presents a huge market potential for alternative technologies like solar PV systems to provide electricity, those in need may not be able to afford it.

The story of a blind man.
One such vulnerable person is James Iranya, a South Sudanese Refugee from Kajokeji now residing in Elema Refugee Settlement. While Iranya is a father and has the task of providing for his family of 5, his disability (partial blindness) deters him from doing many jobs.

This is perhaps how he settled for being a caretaker of Elema Community Center. At the center, James is lucky to tap into opportunities that many times are channeled through the leadership that sits at this place. That is how he received a solar lamp from EMESCO. The solar panel not only helps him charge his lamp but he is also now saving money for his other needs.

“Previously, we used to spend 500/= shillings about 4 times a week to charge 3 phones that we have in the household. But now we save this money and use it for other basic needs.” James reveals.

When the lamp is fully charged. It serves two purposes. James’s family uses it to light their house at night and also for studying/reading by those still in school. In a refugee setting, where the education provided is just basic; it takes a lot for one to make out good what they are taught. But this would require more studying especially at night and perhaps doing assignments given.

Who else benefitted?
James is among the 500 Persons of concern who were supported by EMESCO with solar lamps. The categories of beneficiaries included; Gender Based Violence survivors, Persons with Disability, Older persons at risk, separated children, and single mothers among others.
Sustainable Development Goal 7 envisions that there will be improved access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services for all by 2030 which is in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040.

The Government’s policy vision on energy in the National Development Plan III (2021 – 2025) is to increase the proportion of households with access to electricity from the current 30% to 80% by 2040.

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By Bazio Doreen

Many people agree that menstruation is indeed a normal phase of a girl’s life but few people acknowledge the challenges it comes with for the one who has to go through it every month because people interpret differently the onset of the cycle. In a traditional Adjumani community, a girl in her menstruation period was not allowed to live in the same home with her mother as she would be seen to be a woman herself now. However, with formal education and the ever-changing dynamics in culture, this opinion is slowly dying away.

Team Work.

According to Gloria Matapkwe, 17, a Primary Six pupil at Ajugopi Primary School, Menstrual Hygiene in her school and the community has improved as all children are now aware of it.

The children manage their menstruation by themselves without the help of the teachers and the elder children help the young ones to manage theirs properly.

Gloria also observes that girls no longer miss classes due to menstruation but now the boys and girls in her school now have the skills of making reusable sanitary pads and how to manage menstrual hygiene.

“Boys no longer laugh at a girl whose uniform gets stained with blood. But they rather do help the girl who is in trouble.” Gloria says.

Gloria also reveals that from the trainings provided by EMESCO children in her school have now learnt skills such as sewing and it has become a source of income and livelihood.

“The money which I would use to buy disposable pads now is used to buy something. And also I can make the pads for myself and I sell some to other people to get money. Before EMESCO came in, girls were spending much of their money to buy sanitary pads monthly which sometimes they cannot afford to buy thus missing school” Gloria describes.

Involvement of boys.

On the other hand, Iceta Norbert, 15, a Primary Six pupil at Ajugopi Primary School, the increasing rate of school dropout was due to embarrassment by boys which made the girls shy and decide not to come to school.

He rates the menstrual hygiene management at his school at 90% owing it to the trainings by EMESCO on menstrual hygiene management and how to make reusable sanitary pads.

“As a boy, I have learned the skill of making reusable sanitary pads for my sisters at home. I no longer laugh at the girls whose clothes get spoiled with blood but I rather help them. I can also make the re-usable sanitary pad and sell them to any man.” Iceta Norbert said.

Before the coming of EMESCO, Iceta Norbert reveals that he did not know menstruation happens to every girl. He used to tease the girls who underwent their menstruation because he thought they were ready for marriage.

Involvement of teachers.

Masudio Rosemary, a teacher, at Ajugopi Primary School, says EMESCO has contributed a lot to menstrual hygiene at the school by teaching them how to make emergency re-usable sanitary pads in addition to providing disposable sanitary pads and soap for girls in the school.

“Before EMESCO, girls were facing difficulties in purchasing sanitary pads. Parents were unable to provide them with sanitary pads which made them miss classes because of periods and some dropped out due to lack of sanitary pads as they feared to be laughed at by the boys at school when their clothes got spoiled with blood.” Masudio Rosemary explains.

Masudio also observes that before the coming of EMESCO, some girls were asking for money from their boyfriends to purchase the sanitary pads. They did not know how to make reusable sanitary pads. But now both boys and girls know the good materials to make the sanitary pads and they make the pads by themselves.

“The children act as role models. They even train the parents at home on how to make the reusable sanitary pads.” Masudio Rosemary explains.

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By Doreen Bazio,

It is about 9:10 am when we arrive in Oliji Refugee Settlement which is a 15-minute drive from Adjumani Town. The situation in our destined home brings both pain and joy. I find Sabina, a resident of this settlement having breakfast with her 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. They are having a mixture of beans and maize commonly/locally known as; ‘Anyoi’.

Anyone could tell that this might be the most important and affordable meal for this family. Maybe even as a routine. More than just a woman struggling to fend for her family, Sabina presents herself as a courageous woman when she later tells me a story of bravery and passionate motherhood.

In 2013, the civil war in South Sudan forced Sabina to leave the youngest country on the continent after she abruptly became a widow. This is how she was inherited by a Hajji (moslem man with many wives) relative of her husband. Little did she know that this marriage too wouldn’t last.
Although he was an alcoholic and irresponsible husband, Sabina was willing to stay with him for the sake of marriage but only if he would stop beating her. But this never stopped. The disagreement that consequently always led to the fights was about intimacy. Sabina had a chronic illness and doctors had advised her to tread carefully when it comes to conjugal rights. Sabina had 3 children with her first husband and 2 with the second.

When Sabina couldn’t take the beatings anymore, she decided to leave her husband in Alere Refugee Settlement in another Sub County where they had first been resettled when they came to Uganda. She moved on along with her teenage daughters.

This decision however came with far-reaching implications as she later found it so hard to afford school fees. This meant that her daughters would spend a bigger part of their time at home and thus conceiving was inevitable. But this condition equally took a toll on her, she lost her self-esteem and confidence.
However, this recently changed after attending sessions conducted by EMESCO through Gender Promoters. EMESCO has reached out to about 5,000 persons of concern on messages about Gender Based Violence through 100 trained Gender Promoters.

From these sessions, Sabina has regained her confidence and self-esteem. This was unlike before when she used to live a miserable life out of self-pity due to the domestic abuse she was going through. Sabina says she is now empowered and feels better because of the advice she received from the sessions.
Sabina also says that because these sessions are done jointly, the community now feels responsible for uplifting and protecting survivors of Gender-Based Violence. This motivation has helped Sabina start life all over again by doing odd jobs so that her extended family can survive.

Sabina now hopes that she will thrive and look after her family with the support of her community which she feels understands her better. This is how gender promoters are ensuring that protecting of especially women against GBV is a communal rather than a personal responsibility.

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