LocationsStrengthening Local Government Leadership to End Gender-Based Violence, Violence Against Children and Promote Access to SRHR
July 14, 2025
Group photo taken after the Training on Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting for GBV response and prevention at the Civil Service College Uganda [CSCU] of Ministry of Public Service.
On the 29th - 30th April 2025, the Ministry of Public Service, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Spotlight Initiative Joint Programme 2.0, convened a capacity building training for District Local Government officials.
The training focused on planning and budgeting for the prevention and response to gender-based violence, violence against children, and access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). The training brought together senior elected and technical officials including district chairpersons, chief administrative officers, chief financial officers, district planners, speakers, probation officers from the districts of Lamwo, Nebbi, Adjumani, Madi-Okolo and Oyam.
Leadership at the Heart of Change
During the training, Ms. Catherine Bitarakwate, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Service highlighted the critical role that government institutions and leaders play in addressing GBV and advancing gender equity. She also emphasized the importance of ensuring that GBV interventions implemented by local governments are closely aligned with broader government-funded gender and equity initiatives.
Ms. Bitarakwate applauded UNDP for the continued support in building institutional capacity and promoting efficiency across Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Local Governments and Civil Society Organisations.
The participants also echoed the value of the training, expressing appreciation for being included in discussions they felt were long overdue. Many noted it was the first time GBV had been addressed with such depth and direct relevance to their roles. The session not only raised awareness but also laid the groundwork for stronger commitment and action in their respective institutions.
Beatrice Mugambe leading a session during the training
From Awareness to Commitments
During the training, one of the key resources introduced was a self-paced online course on gender-based violence (GBV), developed by the Civil Service College Uganda and funded by UNDP under the Spotlight Initiatice 1.0.
Accessible at https://e.cscu.go.ug/login/index.php, the course was highlighted as a valuable tool for continued learning, particularly for professionals involved in planning, policy, and community development. The training not only enhances how policy actors adopt and implement these approaches but also enables them to see why community involvement is also part of policy implementation. The training enhances participation, adaptive implementation and supports foresight in addressing GBV related challenges before they manifest themselves.
The training opened up a new level of awareness and commitment among the technical and political leaders, with many pledging to prioritize GV, VAC and access to SRHR issues, in upcoming Technical Planning Committee meetings in their respective districts.
This is my first time to engage in discussions about GBV and VAC. As CAO's, we miss out on a lot of information that is relevant to our work. We need an aggressive approach to find the required funding and invest it in addressing the GBV challenges in our districts.- Chief Administrative Officer - Madi Okolo District
Senior elected and technical officials engaged in capacity-building trainings.
A Step in the Right Direction
This training marked a real shift in mindset change among some of the most powerful players in governance. By equipping district officials with the knowledge, tools and platforms to integrate GBV prevention in their core functions, Uganda is one step closer to eliminating violence against women and girls.
By Beatrice Mugambe, Senior Gender Advisor UNDP