Today marked a pivotal moment in our journey to strengthen civic space and resilience in Uganda. As part of the “Strengthening Civic Space and Resilience in Uganda” project, Rural Smiles Foundation hosted a dynamic capacity building session designed to empower local civil society organizations (CSOs) and human rights defenders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly challenging environment.
A Day of Insight and Action
The session, attended by representatives from various CSOs within the Kitara Civil Society Organisations Network (KCSON) in the Bunyoro sub-region, kicked off with a warm welcome by our Executive Director, Ahaisibwe Geofrey Mwaka. He set the tone by emphasizing the importance of grassroots advocacy in protecting civic space amid restrictive laws and mounting societal pressures.
Key Sessions and Learnings
Understanding the Legal Landscape:
Participants engaged in interactive workshops where experts from the Uganda Human Rights Commission explained how recent legislative changes have impacted civic freedoms. The discussions provided clarity on the legal challenges and opportunities for policy reforms.
Advocacy Strategies for Change:
Through practical exercises and panel discussions, attendees learned how to develop compelling policy briefs and effectively engage with government officials. The session highlighted successful case studies, inspiring participants to adopt innovative advocacy tactics in their communities.
Digital Security and Psychosocial Support:
Given the rising security risks for civil society actors, the session included training on digital security best practices. Moreover, the importance of psychosocial support was underscored as a critical component to safeguarding the well-being of those on the frontlines of advocacy.
Interactive Networking:
The capacity building event also featured breakout sessions that allowed participants to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships. These interactions are expected to strengthen collaborative efforts across the KCSON network and beyond.
Outcomes and Next Steps
Feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the blend of expert presentations, practical exercises, and open discussions. Many left with renewed motivation and concrete strategies to enhance their advocacy efforts, while also gaining valuable insights into the mechanisms of policy change and digital security.
Moving forward, our next steps include:
- Organizing follow-up workshops to further deepen these skills.
- Facilitating regular networking meetups for continued collaboration among CSOs.
- Engaging with international advocacy platforms to amplify local voices.
Join the Conversation
We believe that strengthening civic space starts at the grassroots. If you are interested in learning more about our work or collaborating with us, please reach out via our website or social media channels. Stay tuned for more updates on how we are driving change and building a resilient future for Uganda’s civil society.
Together, we are empowering change!
Rural Smiles Foundation is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every voice is heard. For more details about our projects and upcoming events, visit www.ruralsmiles.org or contact us at smiles@ruralsmiles.org
