Spotlight Initiative shines on five new districts in Uganda

On 4 August 2025, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), on behalf of the Government of Uganda, in partnership with the United Nations and with support from the European Union and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, officially launched the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 Joint Programme in five new districts: Adjumani, Nebbi, Madi-Okollo, Lamwo, and Oyam.

This expansion building on the initial 12 Spotlight districts has been made possible through additional support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The launch event, held at the Adjumani Multi-Purpose Training Centre, brought together local government leaders from the five districts, development partners, UN agencies, religious and cultural leaders, civil society organisations, students, young women and girls, representatives from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and community members to reaffirm commitment to ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and advancing sexual and reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Speaking at the event, Ms. Angela Nakafeero, Commissioner for Gender and Women Affairs at MGLSD, reiterated Uganda’s commitment to gender equality. “As a country, we are committed to ending violence against young women, girls, and boys. While we appreciate cultural and religious leadership, we must also challenge the harmful aspects of culture, such as child marriage,” she said.

She also commended the Spotlight Initiative model for prioritising vulnerable populations including persons with disabilities and refugees, ensuring no one is left behind.

The high-level engagement introduced the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 Joint Programme to the new districts, secured endorsement from district leadership, and mobilised local support for implementation. The launch marked a major milestone under the broader EU-funded Gender for Development in Uganda (G4DU) Programme, which aims to ensure adolescent girls and young women have full access to education, healthcare, and protection from all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Mr. Richard Edema, Principal Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani, speaking on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), stressed the importance of empowering youth through skills development. “Let us embrace Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) so our youth can build a better future. Through skills, we can address the social challenges they face,” he said.

He also thanked the European Union and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for prioritising issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Violence Against Women and Girls (VAC), and SRHR, calling them key development concerns.

Led by MGLSD in coordination with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), the launch served as both a platform for policy dialogue and community mobilisation. Activities included a vibrant procession through Adjumani Town with schoolgirls, schoolboys, community groups, and local leaders sharing positive messages on gender equality, child protection, and education.

Spotlight Initiative 2.0 is jointly implemented by UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, and UN Women. The programme will address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and promote Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) through strengthening institutional capacity, promoting gender equitable social norms, and improving access to integrated services for women, girls, and children, particularly in marginalized and refugee hosting areas in the five new districts.

Local leaders pledged their commitment to the programme’s goals. Mr. Emmanuel Okware, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, issued a call to action, “the task ahead of us is big. We need concerted effort from everyone. Let’s stop reading from the book of lamentation—we must act. We must not let our young women and girls down.”

The onboarding of the five new districts follows earlier preparatory activities, including orientation sessions, results-based management training, and technical support for District Annual Work Plan development. With political support now secured, the focus shifts to building strong local teams and empowering district leaders to take ownership in the fight against gender-based violence.