On March 8th 2022, 29 Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDS) converged at Arch Apartment Hotel Ntinda for a breakfast meeting to commemorate International Women’s Day with the special launch of the Online Gender Based Violence handbook for WHRDS.
The emerging trends of online violence against WHRDS prompted Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) to develop a handbook that will be a guide for organizations and individual WHRDS to prevent and respond to online Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Objective of the meeting.
Raise awareness on online GBV concerns for WHRDS
Validate and launch a hand book for WHRDS on ICT GBV as a guide to strengthen awareness, provide tips on how to identify, document and report online violence
WHRDS introduce themselves during the meeting
WHRDS introduce themselves during the meeting
Ms. Janat Namuli the Rapid Response Protection Officer of WHRDN-U welcomed the Women Human Rights Defenders who came from Acholi, Karamoja, WestNile, Rwenzori and Westnile regions and wished them a Happy Women’s Day. She reminded them of the promise WHRDN-U made during online GBV and digital security management trainings held in 2021 to invite them to the validation and the launch and the day had finally arrived.
Janat Namuli speaks at the Validation and launch meeting of the online GBV handbook for WHRDS
Ms Peace Olivia Amuge the Executive Director of Women Of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) mentioned that the handbook was compiled after the online trainings with the WHRDS in 2021. She further mentioned what consists of the handbook
The different forms of Online GBV
Types of Online GBV
Root causes of Online GBV
Impact of Online GBV to the WHRDS
Digital Security Management
Existing laws and legal frameworks.
Peace Amuge speaks during launch of Online GBV handbook for WHRDS
Validation from WHRDS
Ms Bonita Asingwirwe from WHRDN-U led a validation session with the WHRDS where she asked for comments in regards to the Online GBV handbook. Below are some of the comments.
Rosemary Kyemba- The launch of the handbook is timely for us as Women Human Rights Defenders because it is now a tool for guidance on how we can deal with online violence. pic.twitter.com/6IDne7Gd0X
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) March 11, 2022
WHRDS give feedback during the launch of the online GBV handbook for WHRDSThe online GBV handbook being launched
Message from Brenda Kugonza, the Executive Director of WHRDN-U after the launch of the online GBV handbook for Women Human Rights Defenders on Women’s day 2022
Women Human Rights Defenders speak after the successful launch of the online Gender Based Violence handbook for Women Human Rights Defenders.
Women Human Rights Defenders celebrate and dance after launching the handbook.
JOB STATION: WHRDN-U Secretariat, Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto JOB SUMMARY:
The volunteer will support WHRDN-U secretariat in planning and implementing, activities related ICT& communication, protection, capacity building and advocacy. The Volunteer should be willing to join a growing organization. The incumbent will gain experience in project management at a national feminist organization and take part in promoting the rights and protection of Women Human Rights Defenders.
Key Tasks
In consultation WHRDN-U’s communication’s resource person to implement period communication tasks/activities.
Support to document experiences of women defenders, stories of change, and newspaper
Support with implementing social media and online content, and internet related campaigns
Support to give speeches, and conduct trainings before various audiences
Support with disseminating regular information to members of the network
Support with writing, reviewing and editing reports, articles and meeting notes
Support with preparing and delivering presentations among bigger audiences
In collaborate with the IT resource person, support with IT related operations
In collaboration with IT resource person, support with conducting IT digital security
In collaboration with staff assist with organizing workshops, meetings
Collaborate with relevant staff to implement protection and advocacy related activities
Qualifications, Skills and experience
The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelors’ Degree in any of the areas ; Mass communication, Information Technology, Development studies, Social Sciences human rights, or any other related fields
With evidence excellent writing and public speaking skills
With evident good digital security management skills
At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience working with human rights NGOs in communication, IT and program
Must have proven interest in reading and researching
Proven excellent writing and computer literacy skills
Qualities and competencies of ideal candidate
Proven ability to work under pressure and ability to multi-task (very desired)
Result oriented with good interpersonal skills
Demonstrated interest to grow with a young organization
Responsible, flexible, adaptable, and will to travel up country for field work
Demonstrate commitment to end Violence Against Women Prevention and girls women’s rights, feminist principles , human rights, and social justice broadly
Proven team player
Proven ability to organize and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders;
NOTE: ONLY FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE PREFERRED FOR THIS POSITION
NB: This is a paid position (modest facilitation) for transport and lunch.
How to Apply:
Deadline: 16 March, 2022 at
Age: Between 22- 30 years
All interested and qualified persons should be submit their application, CV via email on info@whrdnuganda.org to Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) addressed to the Executive Director. OR hand delivery to our physical Office: Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda
Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto, P.O.Box 52 72 Kampala,
JOB STATION: WHRDN-U Secretariat, Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto JOB PROFILE
Assist with planning and implementing capacity building and advocacy projects for WHRDN-U, support the process to form networks at grass root levels to mobilize their support for protection of WHRDs, provide support for the organization’s annual events, workshops etc. Assist to maintain and manage WHRDN-U’s members contact database and list serves, assist in providing mentoring support to WHRDN-U members and regional focal persons on WHRDN-U Feminist protection issues and security and carry out needs assessments for members.
Key Tasks
In consultation with the Executive Director, assist with conducting regular capacity assessments, training needs of Members of WHRDN-U.
Assist To develop work plans/operationalize plans for the capacity building and advocacy programs
In collaboration with relevant staff, Assist to organize, prepared and facilitate relevant trainings, meetings and engagements for
In consultation with relevant staff, assist in planning and implementing the regional networks meetings, annual events and Annual Members General
In consultation with relevant staff assist in the membership recruitment, development and
In consultation with relevant staff, assist to conduct regular coaching and mentoring sessions with network members to provide technical input and expertise to support network members and regional focal persons on WHRD protection issues effective and sensitive referrals and case
In consultation with relevant staff, assist to develop and adapt training materials (handouts, presentations, etc) and tools to monitor effectiveness of trainings, including pre and post –tests.
In consultation with the relevant staff , assist with monitoring and analysis legal and political developments , human rights and the rule of law and safety of WHRDs in the Country
In consultation with the ED, work with network members to identify advocacy opportunities and provide support as required by the network members to implement the advocacy initiatives and
Actively participate and represent the organization in various meetings, seminars, workshops etc to share WHRDN-U’s perspectives on various issues
In cooperation with the relevant staff, assist to spear head advocacy and lobbying initiatives for laws and policy reform on WHRDs
Performance of any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications, Skills and experience required
The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelors’ Degree in any of the areas ; Development studies, Social Sciences human rights, Political Sciences or any other related fields
At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in related
Experience in writing project reports, organizing events and workshops, budgeting, developing work plans and project proposal writing, and projects implementation
Experience working with human rights NGOs
Experience in managing field work and travel upcountry
Result oriented with good interpersonal skills
Qualities and competencies of ideal candidate
Proven ability to work under pressure and multi-task (very desired)
Demonstrated interest to grow with a young organization
Responsible, flexible, adaptable, ability to multitask
Proven community mobilization and facilitation skills
Demonstrate commitment to end Violence Against Women Prevention and girls women’s rights, feminist principles , human rights, and social justice broadly
Proven excellent writing and computer literacy skills
Proven team player
Proven ability to organize and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders;
NOTE: ONLY FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE PREFERRED FOR THIS POSITION
How to Apply:
Deadline: 16 March, 2022 at
Age: Between 22- 34 years
All interested and qualified persons should be submit their application, CV via email on info@whrdnuganda.org to Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) addressed to the Executive Director. OR hand delivery to our physical Office: Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda
Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto, P.O.Box 52 72 Kampala, Telephone: 0414672585
Our Executive Director, Brenda Kugonza and Finance & Administration Officer Sheila Namudde have joined @WHRDNU board members at @GWEDGUga offices on a learning visit on Technical support of cooperate governance and financial management. pic.twitter.com/zzKzrdSY1B
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) February 16, 2022
The engagement over the two days covered areas on
Risk analysis plan
Internal audit plan
Job descriptions
In addition, practical skills were shared in resource mobilization , cultivating positive stakeholders relationships and human resource management. We extend our gratitude to Gulu Women Economic Development and Globalization for the hospitality throughout the two day visit.
In its list of issues, the Committee asked the State Party to “advise on specific legislative measures in place to protect the rights of women human rights defenders… (para 7)”.
Women human rights defenders in Uganda are facing particular challenges on account not only of transgressing gender norms in taking up the work of promoting and protecting human rights, but also often because of the nature of their work. HRDs identifying as or working with the LGBTI community are at particular risk, as are those working to promote and protect the rights of sex workers. Furthermore, land and environment WHRDs working as parts of communities to oppose resource extraction and mining operations have been threatened and intimidated by non-State actors and a number have faced arrests.
The draft bill on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders was tabled in 2020 and sits before the parliament. The adoption of this bill is important for the recognition of the work of all HRDs and would legitimise their rights to defend rights within the national legal frameworks. We call on CEDAW to recommend that the State genuinely engages with WHRDs to ensure that the bill and its implementation plans are fully gender responsive.
Brenda Kugonza presents statement during Zoom meeting on February 7th 2022
Meanwhile, the government of Uganda must review and reform other areas of its legislative framework in order to bring them in line with international standards. In particular, we urge the CEDAW Committee to call on the State to engage with civil society for the review and reform of the following:
The Computer Misuse Act, 2011 (section 24 and 25 in particular), under which charges of cyber harassment and offensive communication can be
The NGO Act, 2016 restricts the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful Application of section 44 can result in restrictions for WHRDs working for groups regarded as illegal, such as sex workers and LGBTI persons.
Section 145 of the Penal Code Act penalises same-sex relations. Further, an Anti- Homosexuality Act was operative for 5 months in 2014; during this period numerous cases of violations against the LGBTI community were reported, including arrest, physical violence and harassment.
The Anti-Pornography Act is often misused against WHRDs promoting rights related to gender and bodily
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda Executive Director, Brenda Kugonza present an oral statement at the CEDAW NGO meeting for Uganda Review on 7th February 2022
“The enactment of a single law on the protection of Women Human rights defenders is an important step forward but insufficient without a holistic view of the legislative environment in which WHRDs operate. pic.twitter.com/OKk3PxHTIl
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) February 7, 2022
We stress that that the enactment of a single law on the protection of HRDs is an important step forwards, but insufficient without a holistic review of the legislative environment in which human rights defenders operate in order to address the root causes of the violence and discrimination that WHRDs are facing in Uganda. Thank you.
Executive Women Members of Parliament were called upon by Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDS) to advocate for Gender inclusive bills as a means to strengthen the security of WHRDS in Uganda. This was during the breakfast meeting organized by Women Human Rights Defenders Network (WHRDN-U) in partnership with UWOPA on 28th January, 2022 at Golden Tulip which aimed at raising awareness on gender-based concerns for WHRDS.
Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Mary Harriet Lamunu, Executive Director UWOPA explained that the breakfast meeting was to happen in 2021 but due the absence of their chairperson who had travelled to Arusha, it was extended to January 2022. She thanked the WHRDN-U team for engaging with them and promised to continue engaging with more MPs to handle issues that affect the women human rights defenders.
The Executive Director UWOPA giving her welcome remarks during the workshop.
In her remarks Brenda Kugonza, the Executive Director WHRDN-U mentioned that the shrinking space has impacted on the work of WHRDs. By working with the parliament, will create a safe working environment for WHRDs. She illustrated how WHRDN-U defends the women human rights defenders who defend the rights of land, the disability, LBQT and sexworkers, female journalists, and ethnic indigenous. Brenda further clarified that patriarchal is real, Female MPs are attacked when defending the laws and acts that protect women.
Sandra Kwikiriza from Her Internet told the congregation how online violence has affected many women including WHRDS. She asked members of parliament to ensure their security online by not sharing certain information related to their private life online and hide their passwords with others. “There is no good reason for me to share my email/ social media password. In reality, most of us share our passwords with our partners. I don’t have to share my password because someone can log in my account and misuse my platform”.
Sandra Kwikiriza facilitating on online violence
Members of Parliament also gave their opinions on online violence and how they have been in their leadership roles. Hon. Betty Naluyima commented that online violence is happens in the real life and she has been a victim when she was attacked online, by her opponents. “Regardless of the violence, “we will not stop” this is a crucial war and we want them to listen. We can’t give up any time no matter what happens”.
“Gender stereotypes affect women more when it comes to violence and threats online. For example, women receive more negative comments than men when it comes to sharing same information online”. Hon. Okia Joanne.
Hon. Members of Parliament expressing opinions on online violence
WHRDS shared testimonies on how they had been attacked online because of their human rights work. “During lockdown, teenage pregnancy cases were very high. It so happened that a young girl was defiled by a 40-year-old man and I shared this on Facebook, instead people abused me and this put me down. I regretted why I had put the story there”. Mwanje Caroline, WHRD from Kagadi.
“As a female journalism during lockdown, I posted stories of defilement and called for dealing with men who can’t control their sexual desires. Because I posted what people didn’t like, I was insulted, and humiliated for not having a man. I thought of leaving Facebook”. Sarah Chekwech, WHRD from Kapchorwa.
“When women with disability post pictures of our work, we are harassed. I campaigned on Facebook about a family that planned to steal land of a widow. I almost relocated because of attacks on my body. People said my body is ugly, unattractive, and that I should hide instead of exposing it on Facebook and in public. I am happy that I supported the woman amidst intimidation”. Peluce Kabagenyi, WHRD from Kasese.
“As a female journalist, in 2021 during lockdown, when I posted stories of defilement and called for dealing with men who can’t control their sexual desires and because I posted what people didn’t want, they harassed me, they went below my belt attacking me for not having a man, I sated thinking of leaving Facebook”. Goretti kajumba, WHRD from Kabarole.
“My colleague was attacked online for her activism work in the mining in Moroto. They used photo shop to put her head on a naked woman and it went viral. We later found out that our colleague’s bottom parts had a scar and the photo posted had no scar”. Flavia Aballo, WHRD from Kampala.
WHRDS testifying how they have encountered online violence in their human rights work.
“I was hosted on a talk show to discuss GBV in Busoga, men attacked me on social media saying that am not supposed to comment on marriage issues because I am not married. They used messages such as ‘The spoilt girl should not mislead you’ to humiliate me”. Kyemba Rosemary, WHRD from Jinja.
In her speech, Hon. Sarah Opendi the Chairperson UWOPA thanked WHRDN-U for being a back a backbone of women huma rights defenders and encouraged the network to continue carrying on human rights work. She testified how she has been a victim of online violence, which is why she is not on Facebook. Someone created an account in her name, and promised people jobs and stole money from them.
Hon Sarah, further shared she was attached on social media for advocating for the rights to safe abortion. We must continue until we reach where women’s rights are respected and also where women and girls are not looked at or perceived as sex objects. She also mentioned that they will be bringing back the marriage bill to parliament and more amendments will be made like from woman MP. We are also bringing forth the Surrogacy bill. Infertility is not a matter for women alone but also a man’s issue.
The Executive a pledged to support WHRDS through working with WHRDN-U to promote safety and security on WHRDS in Uganda and advocating for gender responsive bills in members through signing a commitment form at the breakfast meeting.
Sarah Opendi, chairperson UWOPA signing the commitment
Hon. Members of Parliament signing on a commitment board to advocate for gender responsive bills during the breakfast meeting.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the human rights defense work of WHRDs in Uganda, who work to protect human rights for all, create peace, gender equality, and ensure that justice is served for SGBV survivors.
Global Fund for Women (GFW) stood in solidarity and ensured that WHRDs continued their activism. GFW provided WHRDs – frontline defenders with essential supplies through the Crisis Fund. These supplies included; safe transport, food, face masks, hand sanitizers, communication (became a basic need in this crisis) and types of support were related to phone-recharging, purchase of credit, cell phone. Thereby facilitating them to mobilize, organize, reach out to various communities and support online activism as some WHRDs wanted to move online (WhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter) to do their activities. Read stories below of how the fund helped WHRDs to do their work in Uganda:
Ms. Juliana Among, Ms. Napiyo Madalena and Ms. Nabong Margret of the Ik ethnic indigenous minority group, used the relief funds for transport to go and register their group to legally operate in Kamion subcounty, Kaabong District. They were able to continue with promoting the rights of IK indigenous communities.
A copy of the recommendation letter to attain a certificate of registration being signed.
Ms. Edreda Dogolo, Ms. Grace Mbatina, and Ms. Rhoda Kabalisa the Batwa indigenous minority WHRDS from Bundibugyo, used the funds to organize Batwa women for a sensitization meeting on their rights to access the semiliki forest as their ancestral land. They also distributed food to Batwa women.
Ms. Roda Kabalisa a WHRD carrying out an awareness sensitization meeting in the Batwa Community
Robinah Tibakanya a WHRD from Hoima district used the relief funds to buy airtime for communication and stationery which she used to carry out the sensitization meeting to women in Namasagali village on land rights.
Ms. Mawa Jacky and Ms. Nasaka Halima, the WHRDS from Katwe salt mining the covid relief to distribute food to female salt miners in Kasese district.
Moreen Kyobutungi and Faridah Kugonza, WHRDS from Kabarole district used the relief funds to purchase food and soap which they distributed to the female sex workers for sustainability during the pandemic.Ms. Amono Jackline and Ms. Angeno Rose, from Mighty fire FM used the Covid relief to buy face masks and sanitizers which they supplied to fellow work mates. They appreciated WHRDN-U for the support that enabled them to continue carrying out their journalism work.
Ms. Amek Joan a WHRD from Central region, used the Covid relief to reach out to Rella House of Hope. She purchased pads and soap which were distributed to LBQT residing in the shelter.
Christine P’ochan a WHRD from Acholi used the covid relief support to pay a solidarity visit to Akol Winifred one of the WHRDS who had been attacked ,They too bought food for her.
Ms. Sarah Kabagenyi, WHRD defending the rights of people with disabilities in Bundibugyo district used the Covid relief to mobilize women with disability and living with HIV to understand how and where to access family planning and Reproductive health services .Ms. Paulin Chepar an anti-Female Genital Mutilation activist under Sanayi Anti FGM movement in Amudat district of Karamoja region bought a smart phone using the covid relief money to enable her to continue with the Anti FGM campaign documenting stories and reaching out to girls escaping FGM.
Ms. Naduke Betty, a GBV activist in Kabong district during a meeting with women who had reported cases of Domestic Violence (DV) , used relief fund to give out soap to survivors of DVMs. Nabiira Ndagire( holding a copy of the Domestic Violence Act) of Tusitukirewamu women empowerment group in Bwaise. Used relief fund to give food, while talking to women that the DVA encourages them to report DV to police, health workers and courts of law.
Caption:From Left to right: Sarah Kisoro (the representative of the oil and extractive action working group of WHRDN-U), Begg-Saffar (NGO and Human Rights Manager, Total Energies), Gladys Oyenyboth (Bulisa Community Grass root WHRD), Petronilla Lamunu (NGO officer, Total Energies) and Brenda Kugonza (Executive director WHRDN-U).
On 29/09/2021, Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDNU) held an advocacy meeting with Total Energies’ NGO and Human Rights Department. The meeting took place at Total Energies Offices on Yusuf Lule Road, Kampala. The meeting discussed matters of protection of women human rights defenders who defend land rights of communities evicted due to oil extraction projects in Bulisa district.
We are grateful to Total Energies for using the UN principles on business and human rights and their commitment to work with Bulisa WHRDs to ensure that women’s rights are protected.
Caption: Representatives of the Rwenzori women defenders network pose for a photo supporting the work of women defenders at the grass root community of Lake Katwe Salt mines.
Rwenzori Women Human Rights Defenders Network encouraging other women to see themselves as women defenders. On 24th/09/2021, three women human rights defenders from Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kasese districts came together through a solidarity visit to support the work of four women human rights defenders confronting historical inequalities and discrimination against women in the salt- mines of lake Katwe community.
During the solidarity visit, women human rights defenders discussed how to strengthen the liaisons, networks and how to foster local linkages to ensure the protection of women human rights defenders. Women defenders also shared personal and collective testimonies about how they are preventing and confronting violence and discrimination against women in the salt -extractive activities.
Thanks to the women defenders located in lake Katwe- salt – mining community, they are not willing to give up on promoting the economic rights & ensuring that women are not stripped of their source of livelihood which is salt mining in lake Katwe.
Caption: Ms. Sarah Kisoro thanking TotalEnergies for recognizing the contribution of WHRDs in advocating for resettlement packages for women in Albertine region.
Based on the principle of collective power is louder and networks can save lives, a key strategy of the WHRDN-U is the creation and support of regional (rural) women human rights defenders networks and coordination of joint actions. WHRDN-U supported regional networks in Albertine, Acholi, Rwenzori and West Nile regions as a joint platform for advocating and confronting violence etc. Below are key actions of WHRDs-Regional Networks.
KEY ACTIONS OF WHRDS- REGIONAL- NETWORKS
Women Human Rights Defenders from Albertine region have not abandoned their human rights work of engaging extractive Industries.
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), has created the WHRD -Albertine- regional -network, that has helped WHRDs to take collective actions. For instance; On 23rd and 30th August 2021, the WHRD- Albertine – regional network in collaboration with 17 Women defenders from Kagadi, Masindi, Hoima, Bulisa, and Kiryadongo districts of Albertine Region, engaged with Total energies’ NGO desk at their offices in Bulisa district. In the meeting, Women Defenders highlighted their contributions in the Albertine region noting as women they have promoted peace and justice, economic and political rights, challenged discrimination and promoted equality for everyone.
The women defenders informed the team from Total that they also work to amplify the concerns of women and community members who have suffered land evictions due to oil extractions. In the meetings, discussions also focused on how women tend to be excluded from the economic benefits and negotiations about the fate of their territories.
Several actions were also proposed to strengthen working relationship between WHRDs and Total energies’ NGO desk. For instance, Total energies pledged to invite women defenders to participate in the periodic NGO meetings organized by them and to work with women defenders to ensure women of Albertine region continue to benefit from the land resettlement compensation packages.
WHRDN-U, continues to support women defenders that have decided to take action because of seeing the negative impact of extractive operations on women and people struggling for social, economic and environment justices in their communities.
Mr. Moses Abigaba from TotalEnergies while addressing the WHRDs from Albertine region, informed members that TotalEnergies had created an NGO Human Rights Desk to handle Human Rights issues of women in the region.
WHRDs of the Albertine Regional Network take a photo with the Total NGO and Human Rights Manager Mary Begg-Saffar after their meeting on 30th August 2021
2. Members of the Acholi -WHRD -Regional Network: Maintain relationships and disseminate information about their contributions in Acholi region
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), continues, to support women defenders from Acholi region to acquire important experience on how to enhance the visibility of their contributions in region. On 26th August /2021, 19 women defenders from Kitgum, Gulu, Pader and Amuru districts of Acholi region, took a collective action when they held a radio talk show. The radio talk show at Might Fire FM in Kitgum district, enabled defenders to promote the human rights defense work they do in the region and their identities. The talk show was the first of its kind in the region where women defenders jointly came together to make their work visible. The talk show was an opportunity for women defenders to call upon different stakeholders to support their human rights.
For instance, while on radio, Ms.Anena Sandra from Gulu district stated “we call upon, cultural, religious and political leaders to support women defenders in Acholi region.”
Ms. Akot Lucy from Amuru district, while on radio mentioned “As women defenders, we have supported, women, children and even men whose rights have been violated, this has made our communities better.”
Ms.Ocuuee Susan , while on radio noted “ I have defended women and children who have faced cultural and domestic violence in my district.”
As a result of the talk show, the Manager of Might FM made commitments to collaborate with WHRDs in the region when he commented “We will give you free air time to come and discuss issues affecting women and increased teenage pregnancies in our region- please women defenders always share information with us for airing as news.”
The Acholi WHRDs play a crucial role in protecting and defending the rights of women and girls in their communities, especially in remote areas. The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda will continue to strengthen the capacity of the Acholi- WHRD-Regional network to promote the recognition of the human rights work they do.
WHRDs of the Acholi Regional Network wait at the reception of Mighty Fire for their radio talk show.
Members of the Acholi Regional Network of WHRDs pose for a photo after the radio talk show at Mighty Fire FM in kitgum district.
3. The Batwa women indigenous defenders, together with Rwenzori- WHRDs -Regional -Network have achieved greater recognition from the Uganda Wildlife Authority
The Batwa community of Bundibugyo district are some of the indigenous and yet minority group of people in Uganda whose rights to culture and source of livelihood (the forests) need to be protected from being extinct. Many of them continue to face violence and discrimination.
It is against the above background, that women defenders from rural areas across the Rwenzori region came together including; indigenous women, sex workers, community organizers, land rights defenders, defenders of the rights of people with disability, defenders working on GBV, and women defenders in the mining sector. All grouped together within the Rwenzori -regional -women human rights defenders’ network. They coordinated themselves to express solidarity with the Batwa indigenous women defenders of Bundibugyo. This was achieved on 30/August/2021, when they jointly held an advocacy meeting with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at their offices in Bundibugyo district.
The 20 WHRDs including the Batwa defenders from Kasese, Katwe, Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Mubende districts of Rwenzori region, interacted with Mr. Balyasima Geoffrey the in-charge warden and Ms. Norah Bumbi the Community liaison officer of Semuliki national park in Bundibugyo district.
During the meeting between Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and WHRDs of the Rwenzori region, participants appreciated UWA for allowing the Batwa people to access firewood, to harvest fish from the ponds and streams and herbs in the forest. Participants also discussed how to foster collaboration with UWA to ensure Batwa people are protected from violence while accessing the Matongo/ Semiliki forest for food, herbs and visiting their ancestral burial sites.
The coordination of this joint action, enabled the Batwa women defenders to share collective testimonies about how they are prevented from accessing their ancestral land and the violence that they continue to face. Below are testimonies:
“We the Batwa, we are stopped from hunting bush meat from the forest-We are beaten when being chased out of the forest and some people use the guns to shoot us” said Ms. Edreda Dogolo, a mutwa woman defender.
“We continue to face violations and marginalization because we are Batwa indigenous peoples- COVID-19 is affecting us as indigenous peoples and we have no access to health, when we access our ancestral land to get medicine etc, we are accused of increasing conflict and encroachment over our indigenous land and ancestral ground.” Said Grace Mbhatina a mutwa woman defender
The UWA pledged to collaborate with the Batwa women and WHRDs to ensure that the Batwa community is protected from violence noting that the Community liaison officer of Semuliki national park will keep in touch with Batwa in order to address any emerging concern. “We appreciate the Batwa community and will continue to work with them to ensure they access the forest.” Said Mr. Balyasima Godfrey the in-charge warden Semuliki national park.
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda, will continue supporting processes of coordination for the Rwenzori Regional Network.
Grace Mbhatina the Mutwa activist raised challenges of restrictions on access to the Matong/Semiliki forestEdreda Dingoli a Mutwa Activist shares her plight of not being able to access herbs from the forest due to the restrictions by the UWA.
Mr. Balyasima Godfrey (Incharge warden of Semliki Np) and Ms. Norah Bumbi the community liaison officer of UWA take a photo with the Batwa women defenders after the advocacy meeting.
Mr. Godfrey Balyasima informed the WHRD-Rwenzori Reginal Network UWA will continue to work with the Batwa Community
4. WHRDs of the West Nile Regional Network: express solidarity with women defending rights of sex workers.
The West Nile Regional Network of 20 women defenders from Zombo, Adjumani, Moyo, Koboko, and Nebbi took a collective joint action to support and demonstrate solidarity to women defending the rights of sex workers in Arua district.
The women defenders from the West Nile Regional Network are involved in defending various rights like land rights, civil rights, political rights, sexual and reproductive rights, rights of sex workers and fighting against GBV, widow inheritance, discrimination, and injustices in their communities.
On 2nd September 2021, the WHRDs interfaced with the women defending the rights of sex workers who raised concerns of stigmatization, discrimination and arbitrary arrests from duty bearers. During the meeting, the WHRDs appreciated and encouraged the women defending rights of sex workers to continue defending and promoting human rights.
The Arua women defending rights of sex workers, demonstrated their appreciation of the support from West Nile -WHRD-Regional- Network when they mentioned on the flip charts that:
“Sex workers defenders from today feel supported by the West Nile WHRDs Regional Network, thank you! Thank you!”
“Thank you! Appreciation to West Nile Human Rights Defenders Network for your solidarity protection to women defending the rights of sex workers in Arua district.”
WHRDNU continues to create platforms that enable women defenders to network and express solidarity to fellow women in different regions.
WHRDs of West Nile Regional Network (raising hands) as a symbol of sisterhood
Women defending the rights of sex workers express their appreciation.
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