Women in Bulembia Division and Mumbunga Sub-county in Kasese District have been urged to take a leading role in addressing social challenges that continue to undermine community development.
The call followed a stakeholder dialogue organised by the Women International Peace Centre, a non-governmental organisation that has trained and empowered women to support government efforts to promote peace, security and community resilience on Thursday.
The organisation said communities in the area continue to grapple with alcoholism, drug abuse, child labour, unemployment, child marriages, domestic violence and poverty.
Esther Wasagali, the organisation’s monitoring and learning officer, called for collective action involving political, religious and cultural leaders to sensitise communities, particularly women, on their role in promoting peace and security.
Speaking shortly after the stakeholder dialogue at Bulembia Division headquarters in Kasese Town, Ms Wasagali urged residents to embrace unity, love and peaceful coexistence as a way of addressing the social challenges.
“We need collective responsibility from leaders and communities if we are to address the social problems affecting families and slowing development,” she said.
Women who participated in the dialogue said gender-based violence, poverty and harmful social practices remain major concerns in their communities.
Jeojina Biira, 38, and Jackline Kamalha, 35, both residents of Bulembia Division, and Jessica Nyamukonzo, 37, of Mumbunga Sub-county, cited rape, defilement, domestic violence, child marriages, unemployment, alcoholism, drug abuse and poverty among the most pressing challenges.
They called for stronger community sensitisation and support for victims of abuse to prevent the problems from worsening.
Asiimwe Queen-Gonda Tugume, the Kasese District senior community development officer and gender-based violence focal person, thanked the Women International Peace Centre for supporting the initiative.
She said the programme would help promote mindset change, responsible parenting and community transformation.
Ms Queen-Gonda urged residents to remain committed to development efforts and maintain hope for a better future despite the challenges affecting their communities.
Asiimwe Zainabu, the Kasese District senior probation and social welfare officer, encouraged residents to seek guidance and report cases involving violations of human rights to the relevant authorities.
She said communities should not remain silent when rights are violated, especially during difficult circumstances, but instead seek timely intervention from responsible officers.
The stakeholders said sustained community engagement, improved reporting of abuse and stronger cooperation among leaders would be critical in addressing the social problems affecting families in Kasese.
