In efforts towards promoting gender equality and peacebuilding, the Embassy of Japan and UN Women have officially launched “The Project for the Implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Refugee Settlements and Host Communities” in Uganda.
This initiative, is strengthened by a USD 3.6 million contribution from the Government of Japan, and aims to empower women and girls in Uganda’s refugee settlements, addressing key challenges they face in conflict-affected areas.
The two-and-a-half-year project is designed to enhance the participation of women peace-builders and human rights defenders in decision-making processes, particularly in the context of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response. By focusing on gender-responsive interventions, the project seeks to increase the capacity of humanitarian actors to address gender issues and bolster the resilience of women and girls through economic empowerment and targeted responses to Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Lillian Aber, Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Japan and the UN agencies involved, acknowledging their unwavering support and vital contributions to the refugee response in Uganda.
She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and assured that the Ugandan government is committed to working closely with all humanitarian actors to streamline efforts and ensure that assistance aligns with national priorities.
“And to the Government of Japan, ARIGATO. Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to supporting refugees in our country.,” Dr. Aber said, thanking the Japanese government for its generosity and commitment to supporting refugees in Uganda.
Aber also called on all international and local NGOs, civil society actors, and faith-based organizations involved in humanitarian response to coordinate more closely with the government’s Department of Refugees for enhanced service delivery and accountability.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Mr. Takuya Sasayama, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, emphasized the critical role of women in peacebuilding. “We hope that this project will encourage gender equality and women’s empowerment in both refugee settlements and host communities,” he stated. “Women’s leadership is essential for sustainable peace.”
Paulina Chiwangu, UN Women Uganda Country Representative, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the disproportionate risks women face in conflict and their underrepresentation in peace processes.
“Strengthening the capacity and leadership of women and girl refugees to participate in mediation and peace processes is crucial,” she said. “We are grateful for Japan’s continuous support in empowering women and girls in Uganda.”
Uganda is Africa’s largest host of refugees, with approximately 1.7 million individuals, primarily from neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. Women refugees, in particular, confront severe challenges due to entrenched gender stereotypes, limiting their involvement in peacebuilding and economic activities.
The project will directly benefit 11,000 women, girls, men, and boys across five districts—Adjumani, Yumbe, Madi Okollo, Isingiro, and Kyegegwa—each receiving a significant influx of refugees. By enhancing access to social protection services, increasing participation in climate change mitigation efforts, and expanding economic opportunities, the initiative aims to address both the immediate and long-term needs of these communities.
The initiative, marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the Government of Japan and UN Women. Over the past four years, Japan has contributed over $22 million through UN agencies to support humanitarian efforts in Uganda, with today’s announcement reaffirming their commitment to gender-responsive humanitarian assistance.
As the project moves forward, UN Women will collaborate with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japanese private sector companies, and both Japanese and Ugandan NGOs to ensure its successful implementation.
The signing ceremony, which brought together government officials, UN representatives, and refugee community leaders, served as both a launch and a call to action, urging all stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Uganda.
Chiwangu underscored the importance of continued collaboration: “This is our collective action to pave the way for women and girls to be meaningfully represented in peace processes, achieving inclusive and sustainable peace and a gender-equal society.”
By Denis Kasule Ssebunya
