by Edith Nantongo and Lauya Nasejje, Linking and Learning Facilitators, Uganda

 

 

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

– Lao Tzu

 

The Voice journey in Uganda started with a single step in April 2016 and to date, those who have walked that journey have not remained the same. The Voice in Uganda linking and learning and close out event on May 29-31 held in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, were a testament to the transformative journey Voice in Uganda, together with the linking and learning facilitators, have undertaken. These events provided an invaluable opportunity for reflection, celebration, and strategising for the future.

 

A video montage showcasing the work and impact of Voice grantees set the tone for the first day’s activities. The reactions from stakeholders were overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the programme’s profound influence.

 

“Voice’s inclusive work has fostered a sense of belonging and trust,” remarked Ms. Sylvia Kyohaire, Executive Director of Mbeleni Foundation. Mr. George Owak from the Voice of Hope and Restoration (VOHARO) project echoed this sentiment, stating, “Voice’s reliability and transformative potential are unparalleled.”

 

 

The learning event facilitated deep reflection among Voice grantee partners on their journey, celebrating successes and examining lessons learned. Grantee partners and rightsholders used the “My Voice Journey” tool to map and reflect on what worked well, what did not and how we envision the future. This introspective exercise highlighted the impact of the Voice project on individuals and communities.

 

Day two saw the grantee partners and rightsholders take center-stage as panelists in a discussion which provided a platform to share the Voice Uganda community’s stories of change.

 

 

Mr. Owak shared his experience of implementing an empowerment project, emphasising the importance of resilience and adaptability. He noted that “The empowerment program has taught us that change starts from within. We have seen lives transformed and communities uplifted through our collective efforts.”

 

Angella Balaba, a rightsholder living with a spine-related disability, observed, “Being a part of the Voice project has given me a platform to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. The focus on rightsholders at the center has empowered us to drive the change we want to see.”

 

Chrispin Mutehimbwa from Sensitize Uganda shared his experience of progressing from one grant to another, stating, “The support from Voice has been instrumental in scaling our initiatives. It has helped us move from a small community-based organisation to a national NGO (non-government organisation), enabling us to reach and impact more lives.”

 

Mental Health Uganda discussed their social contact approach in addressing mental health stigma. Derrick Kizza Mbuga, Executive Director, explained,“Our social contact programme has significantly reduced stigma by fostering understanding and empathy. Sharing personal stories of mental health challenges has been a powerful tool in changing perceptions.”

 

Gertrude Nakigudde, a breast cancer survivor and head of the Uganda Women Cancer Survivors Organization (UWOCASO), shared their experience in addressing stigma among those living with cancer. She highlighted,“Our peer support sessions and skills training programmes have empowered cancer survivors, helping them regain their confidence and live fulfilling lives.”

 

Grantees also reflected on the approaches they wish to carry on after the Voice project. Many highlighted the importance of partnerships, mindful communication, advocacy and amplification. Key points from group activities included building strong, collaborative networks that foster mutual support and resource sharing, emphasising clarity, empathy, and inclusivity in all interactions, engaging in strategic advocacy to address pressing issues and amplify marginalised voices, and leveraging various platforms to increase the visibility and impact of their messages.

 

The discussions and reflections during the event emphasised the need for sustainable strategies to maintain the gains achieved through the Voice project. Recommendations included empowering marginalised communities by building their capacity and supporting their initiatives, strengthening civic space and promoting inclusive development, enhancing local resource mobilisation and diversifying fundraising methods, and fostering collaboration and partnerships among civil society organisations, governments, and donors.

 

 

The final day of the event, themed “Harnessing Your Gains and Closure,” focused on amplifying achievements and looking toward the future. The exhibition and marketplace showcased the diverse and impactful work of grantee partners. Joy Rufuka, a rights holder from Hoima District Union of Persons with Disabilities, shared her inspiring story of empowerment through the Voice project. She highlighted the impact on her life, including the inclusion of her helper in the council’s budget and her own increased confidence. George Katumba, a rightsholder but also a project officer from Hoima District Union of Persons with Disabilities (HUDIP), also expressed his appreciation for the project’s impact on their community. He mentioned the construction of ramps in hospitals, schools, and hotels, as well as the empowerment of persons with disabilities through the government’s Parish Development Model.

 

Several grantee partners and rightsholders reflected on their experiences at Voice that they found remarkable, empowering and life changing – “magical moments” – as follows:

 

Paul Katwalo from Bukoloto Mosque and Community Development Association (BMCDA) shared a moment of transition in mindset and perception among the Baruli Banyala minority youth group. The youth lacked access to land for production and felt they did not belong to the community. He shared, “The Voice-supported project shifted their mindset from feeling unworthy to recognising their potential. They were able to acquire land from landlords and to engage in profitable vegetable farming.”

 

“Our training for health workers in holistic and practical care for spinal injuries has led to the creation of a spinal ward in Iganga Hospital and improved health outcomes for those with spinal injuries” –   Angela Balaba from CEDIG, a road traffic accident survivor and rights holder.

 

Simon Peter Omali  from Partners for Community Health and Development Organization (PACHEDO) observed that “Under the Voice support, we have grown from a small  community-based organisation to a national NGO.”

 

“I have found a supportive community who has helped me come to terms with my condition. I have been able to share my story to also uplift others like me.” – Denise, a cancer survivor  from Mende Sub-County, Wakiso District under the Uganda Women Cancer Survivors Organisation

 

Alex Okello from Talents Enabling Uganda also shared a moment of rehabilitating girls with obstetric fistula and empowering them to speak out and start businesses, highlighting the impact on their confidence and ability to advocate for their rights.

 

During the marketplace, grantee partners and rightsholders showcased their work in the respective parts of Uganda. The event also featured remarks from key figures like His Excellency Joost Van Ettro, the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands in Uganda and Head of Development Cooperation, who underscored the significance of the Voice programme. He stressed the fundamental role of civil society organisations in sustainable development, noting that “Voice has successfully amplified the voices of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and minority communities.”

 

 

 

In his remarks, the Executive Director, NGO Forum, Dr, Moses Isooba expressed his appreciation of Voice for steering local-led development among civil society organisations in Uganda. He appreciated the grantee partners for being good stewards and for using their intellect, expertise and competence to deliver on the work put before them.  He committed to continued support towards civil society organisations in Uganda.

 

The Country Director of Oxfam in Uganda, Mr Francis Odokorach appreciated the Ministry of Foreign affairs of the Netherlands Government for the generous financial support.

 

“Today, we are celebrating another phase of the Voice [programme] and therefore the linking and learning should continue. We are committed to finding innovative ways to scale this project; we shall continue to engage with those whom we have walked with together. Our message to the Ambassador is that this project has been impactful.”

 

In conclusion, the Voice project’s Annual Learning and Close Out Event was a resounding success. The event demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation and resilience in advancing the rights of vulnerable individuals in Uganda. As we move forward, the legacy of the Voice project will continue to inspire and empower marginalised communities, driving transformative change and promoting social justice in Uganda. Let’s carry forward the lessons learned and the spirit of empowerment, ensuring that the voices of marginalised communities are always heard and their rights respected.