From 4–8 May 2026, the Spotlight Initiative conducted a multi-stakeholder field mission to Kitgum in Northern Uganda including the Embassy of the Netherlands. The mission comprised representatives from UN agencies, civil society organisations, justice institutions, district local governments and community structures. The purpose was to engage beneficiaries and stakeholders, assess programme progress, document lessons learned, and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. A key highlight of the mission was the launch of a video conferencing system at Kitgum High Court on 7 May 2026 to improve access to justice for communities in Kitgum and Lamwo. During the launch, the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, noted that the initiative is “bringing justice closer to the people, ensuring that no one is left behind.”At the start of the field mission, a courtesy meeting was held with the Chief Administrative Officer, district leaders reflected on how the Spotlight Initiative has been working in Kitgum since 2019, noting that this is now the second phase of programming. Stakeholders acknowledged the visible contribution of funding towards reducing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), addressing teenage pregnancy and school dropout, and strengthening access to justice.Beneficiary and Stakeholder Group DiscussionsOn 6 May 2026, the field mission engaged beneficiaries and stakeholders in Labongo Akwang Sub-county through group discussions focused on three key thematic areas: Integrated GBV, SRHR, Empowerment and Access to Justice; Child Protection and Resilience Building; and TVET and Livelihoods Support. These discussions provided an opportunity to gather community perspectives, assess programme impact, and identify ongoing challenges and priorities for strengthening implementation.Group 1: Integrated GBV, SRHR, Empowerment and Access to JusticeThis discussion focused on GBV prevention and response, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), adolescent empowerment, and access to justice. Community leaders, Male Action Groups, and cultural leaders discussed how stronger coordination between health, justice, and protection systems is improving prevention and survivor support. Participants identified rape, defilement, physical assault, early marriage, child neglect, and economic violence as key challenges affecting women and girls. Harmful gender norms, alcohol abuse, and domestic conflict were identified as major drivers of violence. Adolescent girls participating in Empowerment and Livelihood for Adolescents (ELA) platforms reported increased confidence, improved SRHR knowledge, and stronger resilience against early marriage, abuse, and exploitation. Safe spaces, mentorship, and peer support were highlighted as critical. Stakeholders also noted stronger referral pathways connecting survivors to legal aid, psychosocial support, health care, and child protection services. Cultural leaders highlighted youth and women’s leadership within institutions such as Ker Kwaro Acholi, reinforcing efforts to challenge harmful social norms from within community structures.Group 2: Child Protection and Resilience BuildingBeneficiaries shared key child protection challenges affecting communities, including school dropout, early marriage, child neglect, and poverty. Participants noted that some households are headed by mothers or grandparents due to fathers leaving, this then leaves women responsible for food, health care, and school fees. Therefore, limited finances continue to prevent many orphans and vulnerable children from remaining in school. Children living with nodding syndrome were identified as especially vulnerable to neglect, exploitation, and sexual abuse.  Participants also discussed harmful attitudes around parenting, family planning, and gender roles, which contribute to family instability and violence. Community members highlighted solutions including stronger village-level awareness meetings, improved reporting of defilement and rape cases, parenting sensitisation for both mothers and fathers, and local representatives to collect and escalate community concerns. Beneficiaries requested continued support for girls who have dropped out of school, particularly through access to skilling opportunities and community sensitisation on child protection, legal consequences for offenders, and responsible parenting.Group 3: TVET and Livelihoods SupportBeneficiaries described participating in three-month vocational training courses including electrical engineering, plumbing, carpentry, driving, motorcycle repair, tailoring, hairdressing, and welding. Participants reported improved employability, income generation, and confidence. Graduates in motorcycle repair now earn between UGX 10,000–20,000 daily through garage work, while tailoring and hairdressing trainees earn UGX 30,000–50,000 through market-based businesses and apprenticeships. Female trainees in traditionally male-dominated trades such as motorcycle repair and driving described overcoming initial gender bias and gradually building customer trust. The programme also demonstrated strong inclusion measures, including accommodating young mothers by allowing them to attend training alongside caregivers for their children. Beyond technical training, beneficiaries received life skills, financial literacy, psychosocial support, savings training, and GBV awareness. While the programme has strengthened livelihoods and resilience, participants highlighted limited access to start-up kits and tools as a challenge to establishing independent businesses.Launch of Video Conferencing System for Access to JusticeOn 7 May 2026, the video conferencing system was officially launched at Kitgum High Court. The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to observe the system in operation during live court proceedings, demonstrating how technology can be used to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and expand access to justice for communities in Kitgum and Lamwo. The UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, emphasized the need to address barriers to justice, noting that “justice delayed is justice denied.” She highlighted that this is the seventh such installation nationwide, aimed at reducing case backlogs and improving efficiency. The Netherlands Embassy Head of Cooperation, Mr. Bouwe-Jan Smeding, stated that the Netherlands has committed EUR 80 million to the Spotlight Initiative, with video conferencing being one of several interventions supporting efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.Chairperson of ICT in the Judiciary, Hon. Christopher Madrama Izama, remarked that “distance is no longer a barrier to justice.” Stakeholders also raised accessibility challenges, including language barriers affecting refugee populations requiring South Sudanese language translation, as well as the need for sign language interpretation for persons with hearing impairments. These discussions reinforced the importance of accessible, timely, and people-centred justice.Key OutcomesThe field mission demonstrated strengthened multi-sectoral programming linking GBV, SRHR, protection, livelihoods, and justice interventions under the Spotlight Initiative.Improved coordination between service providers, stronger community engagement, and increased involvement of cultural and local leadership have contributed to greater trust in services and improved survivor support.The launch of the Video Conferencing Facility marks a significant advancement in technology-enabled justice delivery, helping reduce delays, improve efficiency, and bring justice services closer to communities in Kitgum and Lamwo.Overall, the mission highlighted the importance of integrated programming in advancing gender equality, improving access to justice, and protecting the rights and dignity of women, girls, and vulnerable groups. Way ForwardStrengthen sustainability planning to support government ownership of key interventions, including justice technology systems.Expand community sensitisation on GBV prevention, child protection, parenting, and legal consequences for offenders.Increase support for girls and young mothers through education re-entry and skilling opportunities.Improve accessibility of justice services through translation, sign language interpretation, and community outreach.Explore provision of start-up kits and advanced training opportunities for TVET graduates.  

The annual Government of Uganda and United Nations Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting to assess progress on the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025 was held on 15 April 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.The meeting was jointly chaired by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja and UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Leonard Zulu. The JSC meeting provides Strategic Direction and Political Leadership; Oversight, Inclusive Dialogue and Accountability; and Coordination, Joint Resource Mobilization and Financing.This year’s JSC meeting was embedded within the three-day National Performance Review Conference which enabled a wide range of stakeholders to participate including central and local government leaders including  cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries, all district leaders comprising Resident District commissioners (RDCs), Chairs of District Local Governments and Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs); Heads of UN Agencies; and representatives from development partners, civil society, youth and academia.In her opening remarks, Prime Minister Rt Hon. Nabbanja, emphasized the importance of leadership in driving results. “Leadership means using limited resources more efficiently to deliver real, measurable impact for our people. We must translate our commitments into tangible outcomes—improving service delivery, creating opportunities, and ensuring no one is left behind,” she said. In his remarks, Mr. Zulu reinforced the importance of adapting to a changing financing environment. “Uganda must move from being a spending state to being a financing state, with government leadership, strategic partnerships, and innovative financing at the centre of development,” he said.He noted that Uganda is now a lower-middle-income country, navigating a shifting global landscape where aid is tightening and expectations are rising. In this context, the United Nations continues to support evidence-based prioritization, strengthen inclusive dialogue, and ensure that the most vulnerable are reached first.The highlights of the Uganda UN Country Results Report 2025 in support of the Third National Development Plan (NDP III) were presented by members of the UN Country Team as follows: Priority 1 -Transformative and Inclusive Governance presented by UN Women Representative, Ms. Paulina Chiwangu; Priority 2 - Shared Prosperity in A Healthy  Environment presented by IOM Chief of Mission, Mr. Sanusi Savage; Priority 3 presented by UNFPA Representative, Ms. Kristine Blokhus; Cross-Cutting - Gender Equality, Human Rights and Leaving No One Behind in Action presented by UNAIDS Country Director, Ms. Jacqueline Makokha; and Lessons from 2025 presented by UNICEF Representative Dr. Robin Nandy.The report highlighted that Uganda continues to deliver tangible development results across sectors, even as global development assistance declines. It underscored a shift toward stronger national ownership, more strategic partnerships, and a growing emphasis on financing sustainable development from within.At the same time, Uganda’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals reflects both achievement and complexity. While some goals are on track, others face moderate or significant challenges, and a few remain far from reach. This uneven progress underscores the need for more targeted and sustained efforts to ensure that development advances inclusively and reaches all Ugandans. Key Achievements:Pillar 1: Transformative and Inclusive GovernanceAcross Uganda, systems are becoming more responsive and accessible. Nearly 50 institutions at national and sub-national levels have been strengthened in planning, budgeting, justice performance management, and data systems. These improvements are translating into real outcomes, over 7,500 individuals have received legal support, while outreach initiatives have reached more than 33,000 inmates, helping reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice. Innovations such as video conferencing and court open days are increasing transparency and efficiency. At the same time, strengthened national statistical systems are improving how decisions are made, ensuring they are grounded in reliable data. Beyond institutions, communities are also seeing change. More than 14,000 young people have been supported to prevent violent extremism and build leadership skills, while cross-border programming in regions such as Karamoja is addressing conflict at its roots. Through peace and security communications reaching over 5 million people, trust in public systems is steadily growing.Pillar 2: Shared Prosperity and Economic TransformationEconomic opportunities are expanding, particularly for young people and small-scale producers. Over 53,000 youth transitioned into employment through coordinated skills and enterprise initiatives.Smallholder farmers generated nearly US$ 5.9 million, supported by improved market access and stronger value chains.Access to finance is also improving. Nearly 100 small and medium enterprises secured loans totaling US$ 4.69 million, many for the first time, enabling them to grow and create jobs.Clean energy initiatives are gaining momentum, with over 800,000 products distributed, generating thousands of green jobs while reducing environmental pressure. At the same time, climate resilience is being strengthened. Grants and early action programmes are helping districts and households prepare for shocks before they occur, protecting livelihoods and reducing vulnerability.Livelihood programmes are also supporting both refugees and host communities, fostering inclusion and shared economic growth.Pillar 3: Human Wellbeing and ResilienceProgress in human development is reaching millions. Over 13 million people accessed improved health, education, nutrition, protection, and water services in 2025. Investments in family planning have ensured widespread availability of essential commodities, while nutrition programmes have treated tens of thousands of children facing severe acute malnutrition. Access to safe water continues to improve, with 80% of villages now served by at least one reliable water source. Efforts are ongoing to close the remaining gap and ensure universal access.Across these interventions, the focus is increasingly on resilience, building systems and communities that can withstand shocks while maintaining progress. Gender equality and human rights remain central throughout. More than 64,000 survivors of gender-based violence received support services, while judicial processes have improved efficiency in handling such cases. At the same time, refugees and persons with disabilities are being more fully integrated into national systems, ensuring that development planning reflects the realities of all populations.Challenges:Despite clear progress, significant challenges remain. Youth unemployment continues to place pressure on the economy, while Uganda’s role as a major refugee-hosting country requires sustained resources and coordination. Global supply chain disruptions are affecting economic stability, and climate vulnerability continues to threaten livelihoods, particularly in already fragile regions. These challenges are interconnected, reinforcing the need for approaches that are both systemic and adaptive. Way Forward:The Joint Steering Committee reaffirmed the Cooperation Framework as the central platform for Government–United Nations partnership in support of The Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), SDG acceleration, and Uganda’s ambitions to graduate to upper middle-income status.Recognizing the UN’s complementary and catalytic role, the Committee emphasized its contribution through technical expertise, convening power, and system-level solutions to accelerate national priorities.Key priorities for 2026 include:Consolidation over expansion: Focusing on quality, efficiency, and system-level impactStrengthening national systems: Advancing policy implementation and reinforcing UN coherence in line with UN@80 reformsExpanding partnerships: Deepening collaboration across Government, development partners, international financial institutions (IFIs), civil society, and the private sectorSouth–South cooperation: Promoting peer learning and practical solutionsInclusive development: Ensuring women, youth, refugees, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups are fully integratedSustainable financing: Transitioning to predictable, programmatic, and blended financing aligned with national prioritiesDomestic resource mobilization: Strengthening financing for development and private sector engagementCoordinated financing strategy: Supporting Uganda’s shift from a spending state to a financing stateIn her closing remarks, Prime Minister Rt Hon. Nabbanja noted,“one message has come out clearly from our discussions today: working together, and not in silos, is the only way we will achieve the transformation we seek. Our future success depends on sustained collaboration, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to implementation…Together, through joint effort and shared resolve, we can accelerate progress and take Uganda to the next level.”

When a sudden flash flood in Northern Uganda’s Lamwo District submerged the road, 28-year-old midwife Alice found her ambulance and life-saving medical supplies stranded on the wrong side of the raging water, cut off from a refugee mother of six who had just gone into premature labor with twins.Acting on pure instinct, Alice grabbed a waterproof plastic sheet from a UNFPA dignity kit, hurled it across the water to shield the vulnerable newborn from the torrential rain, and waded across the receding waters to manually resuscitate the hemorrhaging mother, saving both her and her surviving baby.Alice’s story is extraordinary, but the precipice on which that mother’s life hung is becoming alarmingly common. Uganda is globally recognized as the gold standard for refugee hosting, offering progressive policies that grant land, movement, and integration to nearly 2 million refugees. But behind the global praise for Uganda’s open-door policy, the reality is brutal: international funding is evaporating, and the basic medical infrastructure that allows frontline workers like Alice to keep women alive is collapsing. The surge in vulnerabilityAcross Uganda’s refugee settlements, an estimated 60 per cent of health care providers have been laid off because the money has simply run out. UNFPA recently identified a critical need for 267 midwives to support emergency response teams; today, because of a persistent cash shortfall, only 23 per cent of those midwives are in place. Those who remain are routinely forced to manage caseloads of over 100 patients a day, double the accepted medical standard.The effects of these cuts are immediate and fatal. Fuel and salary shortages have grounded mobile midwifery teams in major settlements like Bidibidi and Rhino Camp. When care is restricted to stationary clinics, a woman in a remote zone who cannot afford transport has no choice but to give birth at home. This drastically increases her risk of postpartum hemorrhage, which is already the leading cause of maternal death in these settings.The crisis extends far beyond the delivery room. Across the settlements, clinics are operating with a 30 per cent shortage of basic supplies, missing everything from the dignity kits Alice used, to contraceptives and oxytocin.Meanwhile, a 68 per cent reduction in funding to protect women from gender-based violence (GBV) has forced vital safe spaces to shut their doors. Consequently, we are tracking a 32 per cent rise in cases where survivors are left entirely without clinical care or psychological support.Furthermore, as school fee subsidies dry up and dedicated youth spaces close, teenage pregnancies are spiking. Girls as young as 13 are entering maternity wards instead of classrooms, pushed into early marriage or transactional sex just to survive the sudden loss of basic food and cash assistance. The Humanitarian Reset The international community knows the global aid system is financially strained. In response, a Humanitarian Reset is underway to reorganize how aid is delivered, aiming to make emergency responses more efficient and localized. UNFPA supports making aid more effective. We know the system must adapt to do more with less.However, as we reorganize how we deliver aid, we must sound a clear warning: efficiency cannot come at the cost of women’s lives.Reforms must not inadvertently create a two-tier humanitarian system where food, water, and shelter are deemed ‘essential,’ while reproductive health and protection from gender-based violence are sidelined as secondary or "optional" extras. A safe delivery kit, a contraceptive, or the skilled hands of a midwife are not luxuries. As Alice’s story proves, they keep women alive.As global pushback against reproductive rights grows right alongside tightening aid budgets, we are working closely with our partners to ensure the protection and medical care of women and girls remain central to all humanitarian action, rather than an afterthought.Uganda’s progressive refugee model cannot survive on the goodwill of the host government and the sheer grit of its frontline workers alone. It requires actual cash and sustained funding from the international community.We cannot balance the books of the global humanitarian system on the backs of women and girls. Their bodies and futures must not be the shock absorbers for global aid cuts. If we allow maternal and protection services to be stripped away in the name of efficiency, we are abandoning the very people the humanitarian system was built to protect.