Uganda

In 2006, ChildFund Ireland and ChildFund Uganda began working together on Irish Aid funded projects to provide protection for orphans and vulnerable children in the districts of Luwero, Kiboga, Masindi and Wakiso.  The programme addressed the unique social and materials needs of children affected by HIV&AIDS and the needs of their caregivers.  The needs of orphans and vulnerable children vary by district and each district was encouraged to develop innovative strategies to address the most urgent issues, using existing social and community structures within the broader context of HIV prevention, care and support.  The programme aimed to strengthen families', caregivers' and communities' income generating capacities and to provide vocational training for youth, particularly targeting girls identified as being vulnerable to sexual exploitation.   Other activities included training of community vounteers in psychosocial support for orhpans and vulnerable children, succession planning, HIV&AIDS awareness and prevention activities, advocating and lobbying for access to rights for vulnerable children.  Finally, the programme aimed to build community capacity to provide appropriate home based care for those children and caregivers who are living with AIDS.

Activities in Luwero concluded in 2008 but conitues in the other districts.  In 2009, the programme in those districxts was extended to improve accessibility to youth friendly reproductive health services and to build capacity of women, men, girls and boys to address gender, sexuality and power dynamics that limit their ability to prevent HIV and AIDS.

Sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) are increasing in the three districts due to a number of factors including urban stress and the spill-over of the effects of the 20 year conflict in Northern Uganda.  The emphasis is on community mobilisation for SGBV prevention, awareness creation and advocacy, strengthening referral systems for survivors and collaboration with other stakeholders.