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Land Conflicts: A Growing Crisis in Refugee Settlements

Land Conflicts: A Growing Crisis in Refugee Settlements

As Uganda continues to host thousands of refugees, land conflicts are emerging as one of the most pressing challenges in settlements. While gender-based violence has often dominated discussions around refugee protection, disputes over land are quietly escalating into a crisis with far-reaching consequences. In settlements where over 80,000 refugees live, each household is allocated a 30 by 30 plot of land. Yet, this provision is increasingly inadequate for survival. New arrivals often struggle to understand boundaries, while host communities sometimes view refugee cultivation as encroachment. One refugee explained: “Once your crops are mature, they may be harvested by others before you even begin. It is a common issue.” The situation […]

Press Statement by WORUDET & Other Rights Organizations in Kitgum & Lamwo Districts on The Rising Incidence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in The Sub-Region

Press Statement by WORUDET & Other Rights Organizations in Kitgum & Lamwo Districts on The Rising Incidence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in The Sub-Region

On March 7, 2025, WORUDET joined fellow rights organizations in Kitgum and Lamwo Districts to issue a strong call to action against the rising incidence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the Acholi sub‑region. The statement was released ahead of International Women’s Day under the global theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality.” IPV—defined as behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm—has reached alarming levels in Uganda. According to the 2024 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, more than 14,000 people were victims of domestic violence, with women disproportionately affected. The Acholi sub‑region continues to record some of the highest rates nationally, with IPV prevalence at 78%. […]

West Nile SRHR Symposium 2025: Linking Rights, Health, and Climate Action

West Nile SRHR Symposium 2025: Linking Rights, Health, and Climate Action

The West Nile SRHR Symposium 2025 was held on March 3–4, 2025 at Desert Breeze Hotel in Arua City, bringing together organizations, activists, and community leaders to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the region. WORUDET actively participated, contributing to discussions on gender, climate change, and community empowerment. Key Highlights of the Symposium The symposium was organized under the theme “Linking SRHR and Climate Change in West Nile” by Feminature Uganda, in partnership with Kabarole Research Centre, Cescra, and other civil society organizations. Conversations centered on advocating for gender‑responsive SRHR policies at both local and national levels, addressing climate‑related barriers such as disrupted healthcare infrastructure, limited family […]

From Chickens to Sewing Machines: Kasara Joska’s Path to Self-Reliance

From Chickens to Sewing Machines: Kasara Joska’s Path to Self-Reliance

“My name is Kasara Joska. I got training from World Aid. I started with 20 chickens, which I bought at 200,000 shillings.” That was the beginning of a remarkable journey. With the knowledge gained from training, Kasara fattened her chickens and sold them at 40,000 shillings each, earning over 400,000 shillings. Instead of stopping there, she reinvested her profits to double her flock to 40 chickens, which brought in even greater returns. Kasara’s discipline and vision pushed her beyond poultry farming. With her profits, she purchased an electric sewing machine from Gulu—the only one of its kind in her settlement camp, capable of both manual and electric operation. She later […]

Sanitary Wear for Rural Girls: Restoring Dignity, Securing EducationSanitary Wear for Rural Girls

Sanitary Wear for Rural Girls: Restoring Dignity, Securing EducationSanitary Wear for Rural Girls

Across Africa, one in five school girls is forced to miss classes, or even abandon their education altogether, because they cannot manage menstruation effectively. The absence of affordable sanitary products and the lack of proper sanitation facilities create a silent crisis that robs girls of their dignity, their confidence, and their future. Menstrual health is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. As Nelson Mandela once reminded us, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Yet for many girls, this weapon is taken away simply because they cannot access sanitary wear. The consequences are profound. When girls miss school repeatedly, their academic […]

Endorsement of the Ministry of Health’s proposal on Access to Contraceptives for 15-Year-Olds in Uganda.

Endorsement of the Ministry of Health’s proposal on Access to Contraceptives for 15-Year-Olds in Uganda.

Network for Community Development (NCD) and Women and Rural Development Networks (WORUDET), two community-based organizations with decades of experience working on the adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights of diverse adolescents in Uganda; and working directly with adolescents themselves, including those who are amongst the most marginalized in Uganda, express our wholehearted support for the proposal to offer contraception to girls from 15 years old, in Uganda. This is a forward-thinking step towards addressing the urgent and complex challenges that adolescents face in the realm of reproductive health. It constitutes a crucial step towards empowering young girls and promoting their overall well-being. In this statement, we articulate our strong […]

She Cares: Advancing Self-Care in Humanitarian Settings

She Cares: Advancing Self-Care in Humanitarian Settings

Self-awareness + self-management + self-testing = self-care. This simple equation captures the essence of empowerment. It is about giving women and girls the tools to take charge of their health, their bodies, and their futures. As Maya Angelou once said, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” The She Cares project embodies this truth, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind. WORUDET is implementing She Cares, a two-year sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) initiative running from 2022 to 2024, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and ACORD Uganda. The project is piloting innovative approaches to self-care in […]

Supporting out-of-school Adolescent Girls’ Rights & Skills (SOARS)

Supporting out-of-school Adolescent Girls’ Rights & Skills (SOARS)

Sexual and reproductive economic empowerment is not just a concept … it is a lifeline for adolescent girls who are too often excluded from education and opportunity. The SOARS project, led by WORUDET in partnership with the Centre for Reproductive Rights and six other organizations, is a six-year initiative designed to transform access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for adolescents, with a particular focus on out-of-school girls in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. WORUDET’s role centers on Pillar 1300, with implementation in Arua and Madi-Okolo districts of Uganda. The ultimate goal of SOARS is to ensure that adolescent girls, especially those outside the formal school system, can access […]

Aloyo Joyce’s Journey of Empowerment

Aloyo Joyce’s Journey of Empowerment

When Aloyo Joyce joined WORUDET’s training program on poultry management, she carried with her determination and a dream of building a sustainable livelihood. The training equipped her with practical skills on how to care for chickens, manage feeding, and maintain hygiene for healthy egg production. With her savings, Joyce purchased a small flock of chickens. She diligently applied what she had learned, ensuring the birds were well looked after. Soon, she began selling eggs in her community. The income, though modest, became a stepping stone. Joyce saved consistently, demonstrating the discipline and resilience that WORUDET’s programs aim to instill. Her savings grew, and she invested in goats. This marked a […]

16 days of Gender Activism Campaign 2023

16 days of Gender Activism Campaign 2023

Every year, from November 16th to December 16th, WORUDET stands in solidarity with the global movement to end gender-based violence. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is more than a commemoration, it is a call to action, a reminder that violence against women and girls is not inevitable, and a demand that leaders honor their commitments to protection and justice. This season is a pivotal time to amplify voices, strengthen awareness, and hold institutions accountable. It is a moment to remind governments, communities, and individuals that the safety and dignity of women and girls must never be compromised. As Ban Ki-moon once declared, “Violence against women and girls […]