info@guideug.org +256 394 892039 | +256 200 917275
Donate Now
info@guideug.org +256 394 892039 | +256 200 917275 Donate Now

Our Mission: To provide data-driven information, education, communication and empowerment programs, and technology-aided humanitarian assistance for marginalized communities.

Ongoing projects

SUPPORTING REFUGEE WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT IN CLIMATE-INDUCED CONFLICT MITIGATION

Project Location: Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, and Bidibidi Refugee Settlement.

Context: Climate change impacts such as increasing temperatures and droughts have increased competition for the scarce natural resources in Uganda’s refugee contexts, making livelihoods less secure. Water shortages caused by drought or rainfall fluctuation are exposing refugee women and girls– who are responsible for water collection in 80 percent of households – to increased risks of sexual and gender-based violence.  According to a study Water insecurity and SGBV among refugees in Uganda, women and girls are overwhelmingly exposed to rape, due to their gender roles as water collectors.  Lack of rights awareness, advocacy skills and resources, coupled with harmful cultural norms and weak institutional policies are exacerbating climate-induced GBV against women refugees and their lack of representation in climate-related conflict response in Uganda.

Key Project Achievements:

  • 60 women councilors trained in integrating gender and security in climate adaptation in the refugee contexts.
  • 90 refugee women CSO leaders skilled in gendered strategies for climate justice advocacy and integrating climate considerations into peace mediation efforts
  • 2 stakeholder dialogues conducted on emerging climate change/ DRR and gender equality issues in refugee contexts.

COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACHES FOR PREVENTION OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE (PSEA) BY HUMANITARIAN AID WORKERS

Project Location:  Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement

Context: 70% of women in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement have experienced one form of violence, more so with about 45% of them being sexually abused.  The victims rarely report these incidents because the culprits have power over them. Refugee girls as young as 16 are being forced into prostitution.  SEA prevention and response in refugee settlements continue to be hampered by limited access to information on PSEA services due to remote locations, language barriers, and deep patriarchy, where male members dominate the available information channels.

Key Project Achievements:

  • 30 refugee community group leaders and 10 zonal officials trained in understanding humanitarian aid-SEA linkages, and SEA self and collective care skills for monitoring safety of aid distributions.
  • 200 copies of the UN Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Receiving, Recording and Processing SEA Complaints reproduced and distributed to aid agaencies.
  • 4000 Posters published and translated to raise awareness on humanitarian aid-SEA linkages, and clarifying the existing forms of sexual exploitation and abuse associated with aid, reporting channels, and tips for safe SEA reporting.
  • 300 radio jingles aired to raise awareness on the existing forms of aid-related SEA; and calling for social and behavioral change.
  • Awareness-raising produced and screened to visualize the existing forms of aid-related SEA against refugee women, girls and transgender persons in Uganda, their socio-economic implications, and safety tips against SEA.

STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNANCE PROJECT

Project Location:   West Nile Region

Key Project Achievements:

  • 50 local government officials trained in policy formulation, strategic planning, and effective service delivery.
  • 7 public dialogue conducted to strengthen engagement between local authorities and citizens, on their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for engagement in decision-making processes.
  • 15 community-based organizations trained in service delivery advocacy and anti-corruption measures.

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION AND SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS

Project Location:   Kyaka II Refuge Settlement and Nakivale Refugee Settlement

Context: Uganda is Africa’s largest refugee host with more than 1.3 million refugees and asylum seekers (World Bank & FAO, 2020). Whereas Uganda is endeavouring to accommodate refugees, the rise in their population is accelerating the loss in forests and woodlands as well as the degradation of other vulnerable and fragile ecosystems like wetlands in the country’s refugee-hosting areas (Bernard et al., 2019).

Key Project Achievements:

  • Multimedia Information Education Communication (IEC) materials published to foster behavioural change for tree planting and end-to-end sustainable waste management practices in refugee contexts.
  • 2 waste treatment and recycling plants established in Kyaka II and Nakivale Refugee Settlements
  • Partnerships established with 3 companies for end use of recycled waste.
  • Over 11 acres of degraded wetlands and vegetation cover recovered in the two refugee settlements.
  • 8 households integrated tree plantation with agricultural practices for greater economic benefits and sustainable land use.

END WOMEN HOMELESSNESS

Project Location: Northern Uganda, Rwenzori Region

Context: A section of Ugandans face critical home needs due to poverty, displacements by wars, domestic violence and their migratory status. Studies show homeless women have greater mental health concerns, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and adverse childhood trauma. This project supports permanent housing and supportive housing solutions. Elderly and disabled women as well as single women who are discovered to be having taxing responsibilities of caring for dependants, especially their orphaned children and grandchildren, amid homeless, are prioritized. This project funds: the purchase of small plots of land and construction of low-cost housing units for single women or women with children; health and nutritional support; counseling and vocational training.

Key Project Achievements:

  • 7 Housing units constructed for disadvantaged women
  • 7 women-headed households trained in kitchen gardening basics
  • 7 women-headed households supported with fruit and vegetable seedlings and livestock
  • 7 household gardens established at the women-headed homesteads