Building Bridges across Regions: A Three-Day Journey of Learning, Solidarity, and Resilience
Introduction
In a powerful demonstration of cross-regional solidarity and shared commitment to human rights, the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) brought together 25 dedicated activists from the Albertine and Karamoja regions for a transformative three-day residential workshop. Held at Esella Country Hotel in Kira from June 18-20, 2025, this capacity-building initiative exemplified the network’s commitment to strengthening the protection and advocacy impact of WHRDs across Uganda through collaborative learning and skills development.
Day One: Setting Hearts and Minds for Change
Opening with Love and Purpose
The workshop began with a symbolic gesture that would define the entire experience. Facilitator drew a heart on the flip chart, explaining that this symbol represents the love and care that Women Human Rights Defenders show in their work. “All participants have gathered in this space out of love for one another, their communities, and the human rights cause,” she emphasized, setting a tone of solidarity that would permeate the entire workshop.
Participants engaged in a reflective exercise, sharing their expectations and contributions on sticky notes—a simple yet profound way to create shared purpose and encourage active participation from the outset.
Institutional Engagement: Uganda Human Rights Commission
The first major session featured Ms. Ruth Ssekindi, Director of Monitoring and Inspections for the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), who addressed critical questions that reflected the lived experiences of WHRDs across regions:
- Where can WHRDs report violations during their work?
- How can WHRDs engage with UHRC offices in Albertine and Karamoja?
- How should defenders respond to violations from authority figures or community attacks?
- How can WHRDs hold UHRC accountable, especially in politically sensitive contexts?
Priscillar’s Testimony: “I was initially turned away at the UHRC regional office in Hoima. Only after the District Internal Security Officer intervened through a phone call did the office admit it was operational. This experience raised questions about the Commission’s responsiveness and accessibility.”
Ms. Ssekindi grounded her response in Uganda’s legal framework, referencing Articles 51 and 52 of the 1995 Constitution. She outlined multiple avenues for lodging complaints:
- Walk-in visits to UHRC offices (free of charge)
- Email submissions through the UHRC website
- Toll-free phone lines and direct calls
- Twitter/X spaces and the UHRC mobile app
- Community outreach events
Real Stories, Real Impact: Participant Testimonies
The session became deeply personal as participants shared their experiences:
Pauline’s Case: “The military confiscated cattle from our community. I reported to local authorities and police with documented evidence, then escalated to the RDC.”
Dorcus’s Dilemma: “A woman was severely beaten by her husband and clan members for alleged infidelity. I feared that if I intervened, the same fate would befall me.”
Florence’s Complex Journey: “My human rights work led to community backlash, forced relocation, and violence. The situation involved family conflicts, co-wives, and police inaction.”
Josephine’s Disturbing Account: “A woman was chased from military barracks with a newborn, then assaulted by her husband at the police station while officers failed to act due to power dynamics.”
Ms. Ssekindi’s advice was both practical and empowering:
- Report all violations to UHRC, police, or legal aid institutions like FIDA-U
- Understand mental health dynamics, especially in trauma-related situations
- Find creative legal alternatives, such as mass weddings to protect property rights
- Invest in land and education for girls
- Don’t internalize negative cultural norms that inhibit women’s rights
Emily’s Empowering Story: “Despite being denied land ownership by my husband, I used agricultural compensation to invest in land and rentals in Nebbi. I later mobilized women to form a support group, highlighting the importance of economic independence.”
Rita’s Reflection: “The information given is real. It will shape us into better people, role models, and stronger Women Human Rights Defenders.”
Risk Assessment and Security Planning
The afternoon session employed innovative role-play scenarios to strengthen participants’ security preparedness.
Role Play 1: Office Break-In Scenarios
Scene 1 – Without Risk Assessment: Two staff members experienced a break-in where phones, laptops, and hard drives were stolen. The organization had no data backups, weak passwords, no security guard, and no visitor management system.
Scene 2 – With Risk Assessment: The same office faced another break-in attempt, but proactive measures minimized impact:
- Trained security guard present
- Visitor registry in place
- Strong passwords and cloud backup
- Neighbors sensitized to report suspicious activity
Role Play 2: Land Rights Demonstration
Scene 1 – Without Planning: Women activists staged a spontaneous protest against land grabbing. Without prior risk assessment, protesters were arrested, some subjected to violence and sexual assault, with no legal support or medical supplies available.
Scene 2 – With Proper Planning: The same group organized a peaceful protest following comprehensive risk assessment:
- Stakeholder mapping and support networks identified
- Police notified and clearance obtained
- Pro bono lawyer secured
- Protective supplies prepared (PEP, emergency contraceptives)
- Communication protocols established
While arrests still occurred for route deviation, the lawyer intervened promptly with proper documentation.
Key Lesson: Risk assessment and security planning significantly reduce both physical and digital threats, with proactive communication enhancing safety during public advocacy.
Wellness and Collective Care
Executive Director Brenda Kugonza facilitated a deeply interactive session emphasizing that self-care is not luxury but necessity for WHRDs working under pressure.
Norah Basemera’s Insight: “Self-respect includes simple acts like serving oneself adequate portions of food—these are expressions of self-worth and care.”
The session addressed sensitive topics with cultural sensitivity:
Maria’s Perspective: As a sex worker, Maria shared that she views sex as a form of exercise and self-care.
Pauline’s Reality: From Karamoja, Pauline explained how Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) effects have diminished sexual desire for many women in her community.
The facilitator provided broader cultural context, encouraging WHRDs not to compare themselves to other cultural standards but to find personal, meaningful ways to enjoy intimacy as part of holistic self-care.
Day Two: Expanding Institutional Knowledge
Equal Opportunities Commission Engagement
Peace Arworoth introduced the EOC as a constitutional body addressing inequality, marginalization, and discrimination while promoting affirmative action for vulnerable groups.
Marginalized Groups Identified:
- People with Disabilities (PWDs)
- Women facing patriarchal limitations
- Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV)
- Ethnic minorities
- Elderly persons
- LGBTQI+ community
- Sex workers
- Children
- Youth
- Communities in hard-to-reach areas
Robinah’s Success Story: “An HIV-positive girl was dismissed from her job and nearly attempted suicide. Upon reporting to EOC, the victim received compensation from the employer.”
Maria’s Victory: “A sex worker was evicted and publicly exposed due to her work and HIV status. The landlady was reported, arrested, and ordered to pay UGX 7 million compensation.”
Claudia’s Observation: “Youth are regularly excluded from job opportunities under the assumption of inexperience.”
Evidence-Based Advocacy: Stakeholder Engagement
The session modeled a stakeholder meeting with participants divided into district-level officials and WHRDs. This practical approach strengthened capacity for effective engagement based on assessment report findings.
Key Reflections:
Priscila: “WHRDs often focus primarily on their own organizational issues during stakeholder engagements, sometimes overlooking broader community interests. We need a more collective approach.”
Lydia: “Understanding your audience—the type of stakeholders being engaged—and thorough preparation are crucial.”
Robinah: “Local government engagements can be influenced by political dynamics. Some officials might offer false promises, so we must manage expectations.”
Norah: “Legal and administrative compliance is vital—ensure organizational documentation like valid permits and district files are up to date before engagement.”
Day Three: Documentation and Action
Documenting Violations: Critical Skills for Critical Times
The protection officer facilitated hands-on training using case scenarios and incident forms, emphasizing documentation’s importance as elections approach—a period when WHRDs face increased targeting.
Critical Warning: The facilitator stressed the need to assess cases critically, as some individuals may present false claims for undeserved support or to damage others’ reputations.
Robinah Tibakanya’s Caution: “A woman falsely claimed to be an HIV-positive activist. After being supported, her dishonesty was revealed, and she retaliated by attempting to damage my reputation within the community.”
Akello Sarah’s Network Building Journey: “In my early days in Moroto, I was the only WHRD and was often overshadowed by male counterparts. Through continuous documentation and advocacy, the network expanded, and I now benefit from solidarity and support whenever I face threats.”
Important Reminder: The network must remain non-partisan. Members were advised not to use WHRDN-U’s name, materials, or identity for political campaigns.
Action Planning: Concrete Commitments
Participants developed specific action plans:
- Shannon: Mobilize 5 WHRDs from different Karamoja districts to join Dorcus in Amudat for solidarity visit on July 30, 2025
- Josephine: Mobilize Karamoja WHRDs for self-sponsored collective care session by July 8, 2025
- Norah: Lead Albertine WHRDs to refer 2 discrimination cases to EOC by July 15, 2025
- Joviah: Lead Albertine WHRDs to refer 1 human rights violation case to UHRC by July 8, 2025, followed by a collective care retreat led by Lydia
Key Successes and Impact
Transformational Outcomes
Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Participants gained practical skills for effective engagement with district-level platforms and key stakeholders.
Strengthened Collaboration: The workshop fostered solidarity and strengthened collaboration among WHRDs, encouraging peer learning and collective action.
Improved Legal Preparedness: CBO owners and managers were encouraged to ensure compliance with legal requirements before advocacy engagement.
Evidence-Based Advocacy: WHRDs improved their ability to conduct and present data-driven advocacy using assessment insights.
Peer Inspiration: Success testimonies from WHRDs who engaged with EOC and UHRC served as powerful motivators.
Self-Care Promotion: Participants gained practical tools for mental well-being and resilience, essential for sustained activism.
Lessons Learned
- Access to justice should be pursued regardless of perpetrator status or influence
- Multiple reporting channels exist for violations (walk-ins, email, toll-free numbers, apps, social media)
- Regional UHRC offices provide crucial partnership opportunities
- Consistent documentation and follow-up are essential
- Cultural norms that silence women or normalize violence must be questioned
- Routine risk assessments help identify potential threats
- Self-care techniques are vital for preventing burnout and trauma
- Peer stories reduce isolation and build practical strategies
Challenges Addressed
Emotional Distress: Personal testimonies triggered emotional responses, highlighting the need for ongoing psychosocial support.
Security Concerns: WHRDs identified gaps in personal and organizational security, especially in remote areas.
Burnout Risks: Participants often work in isolation without adequate support networks.
Capacity Needs: Some reported language barriers and limited formal education affecting full engagement with legal discussions.
Looking Forward: A Network Strengthened
This residential workshop exemplified WHRDN-U’s commitment to building a resilient, knowledgeable, and connected network of Women Human Rights Defenders. By combining institutional knowledge with practical skills, personal testimonies with collective action planning, and regional perspectives with national frameworks, the workshop created a powerful foundation for continued advocacy.
The testimonies shared throughout these three days, rom Priscillar’s persistence with UHRC to Emily’s economic empowerment journey, from Maria’s courage as a sex worker advocate to Akello Sarah’s network-building success, demonstrate the incredible strength, resilience, and determination of Uganda’s Women Human Rights Defenders.
As participants return to their communities in Albertine and Karamoja, they carry with them not just enhanced skills and knowledge, but a renewed sense of solidarity and shared purpose. Their action plans provide concrete steps forward, while their testimonies serve as powerful reminders that individual courage, when supported by collective action and institutional engagement, can create meaningful change.
The heart symbol that opened this workshop, representing love, care, and commitment, continues to guide WHRDN-U’s work. Through workshops like this, the network ensures that no WHRD stands alone, that every voice is heard, and that the fight for human rights in Uganda grows stronger with each passing day.
For more information about WHRDN-U’s work or to connect with the network, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we are stronger.
Published by Brenda Kugonza