FC Guntu

Jennipher Achaloi – International Development Law Organization @IDLO Jennipher Achaloi emphasized that Uganda must first strengthen community awareness and education on reporting abuse and accessing justice. She noted that many cases are settled within families before reaching court, while others are lost along the way due to prolonged investigations and family negotiations. She also highlighted the need for a more survivor-centred justice system that reduces stigma and repeated questioning. Survivors are often required to recount their experiences to multiple people across local councils, police stations and hospitals, which can cause further distress. She pointed to the one-stop centre model as a promising approach to making the justice process more coordinated, accessible and child-friendly. #ReachAhandAfrica #LinkLearnAct @UNESCO @Builders3rdSect @MinofHealthUG @FIDA_Uganda @NUDIPU – at Kampala, Uganda

“Survivors need systems they can trust, spaces where their privacy is protected, and service providers who handle their cases with dignity. We must strengthen confidentiality, invest in accessible services and push for policy reforms that make reporting abuse safer for young people.” Claudia Anzoa, Legal Officer at @Uganetlaw , highlights the need for stronger justice systems, improved service delivery and sustained advocacy to ensure young people can confidently report abuse and access the support they need. #ReachAHandAfrica #LinkLearnAct – at Kampala, Uganda

“Digital abuse is not just a technology issue; it is a deeper-rooted problem that moves between the digital and physical spaces. We must strengthen collaboration among institutions to ensure survivors are heard, protected and supported without fear of victim-blaming.” Ms. Peninah Susan Igaga, Programs Manager at the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP), emphasizes the need for survivor-centred justice systems that respond effectively to technology-facilitated abuse and protect the dignity and confidentiality of survivors. #ReachAHandAfrica #LinkLearnAct – at Kampala, Uganda

Access to healthcare begins with bringing essential services closer to the communities that need them. Through the HIV Response Program, a community health outreach was held at Kashanyarazi in Mbarara City, creating an opportunity for community members to access health information, testing, and preventive services in one place. The outreach offered HIV testing, syphilis testing, cervical cancer screening and family planning services, alongside health talks on HIV prevention, family planning and the importance of seeking healthcare early. Community members also received condoms as part of ongoing HIV prevention efforts. Beyond providing these services, the outreach reinforced the importance of early testing, timely referrals, and access to appropriate care. By meeting people within their communities, we continue to promote informed health choices and encourage more people to take charge of their health. #ReachAHandAfrica #iKnowKati – at Kampala, Uganda

Building confidence, making informed choices, and learning from one another! At Commune High School, Kitende, our outreach brought students together for peer sessions on emotional intelligence, life skills, consent, and boundaries, creating space for open conversations and practical learning. Because being better starts with understanding yourself, respecting others, and making choices with confidence. #BeBetter #ReachAHandAfrica

Water safety starts with knowledge, and every conversation brings us a step closer to preventing drowning. Our Soroti team held a school outreach at Awoja Bridge Primary School, engaging Primary Four, Five, and Six learners in interactive discussions on staying safe around water and preventing drowning incidents. Through questions, answers, and shared experiences, learners and teachers explored practical ways to stay safe around water and protect themselves and others. The sessions also gave learners a chance to ask questions, share their understanding, and learn to recognise and avoid potential dangers around water. Building water safety awareness among children is an important step towards preventing drowning and creating safer communities. #DrowningPrevention #OmanyiOkuwuga #TulwanyiseOkubbira

Peer education goes beyond sharing knowledge. It is about building the skills, confidence, and accountability needed to connect communities to essential health services. The peer educators’ training concluded with a focus on putting learning into practice, from understanding referral pathways and family planning service delivery to accurate documentation, reporting, and coordination with health facility teams. Through practical sessions, work planning, and post-training assessments, the peer educators strengthened their readiness to support service delivery and ensure that clients are appropriately referred and connected to care. With the right knowledge and tools in place, they are better prepared to take their learning into their communities and make a meaningful difference. #ReachAHandAfrica #UDecideMOA – at Kampala, Uganda

“Adolescents should be able to seek sexual and reproductive health services without fear of judgment. When stigma and personal biases influence how health workers treat young people, they can discourage them from seeking care, returning for services or asking the questions they need answered.” During our recent #LinkLearnAct webinar, Dr Maureen Kwikiriza highlighted how provider attitudes, cultural expectations and fear of judgment can create barriers to adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. Creating youth-friendly healthcare spaces requires health workers to recognise these biases and ensure every young person is treated with dignity, respect and confidentiality. The conversation continues! Join us for our upcoming webinar as we examine the role of justice, protection and accountability systems in addressing teenage pregnancy in Uganda. Register here: bit.ly/4I4WPOK. #LinkLearnAct #ReachAHandAfrica

Emotional intelligence means recognising what you feel without letting every emotion dictate your actions. During our Be Better sessions, students explored how to identify their emotions, recognise triggers, manage strong reactions and navigate disagreements without disrespect. Learning to pause, listen and respond with empathy can make all the difference in how we handle conflict, relationships and peer pressure. #BeBetter #ReachAHandAfrica