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ACFODE strengthens measures in fight against GBV in Kyegegwa District

29 June 2026, 7:33 pm

Some of the students from Bukeere and Kibuye who participated in the annual debate and poetry competition.

By Kyalisiima Asuman

Action for Development (ACFODE), a national women’s rights organisation, has intensified its interventions in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in both Kyaka II Refugee Settlement and host communities in Kyegegwa District.

This was demonstrated during an annual debate and poetry competition for secondary schools held at Bukeere Secondary School, located within Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa District.

The event, funded by ACFODE, brought together two schools—Bukeere Secondary School from the refugee settlement and Kibuye Secondary School from the host community.

Students, with a strong focus on ending GBV, engaged in extensive discussions on several motions, including how certain cultural practices have contributed to conflicts in communities, how poverty remains a major driver of GBV, and how gender equality promotes peaceful coexistence, among other related themes.

Students participating in a debate session during the competition.
Happy Ainomugisha (left) and other officials present gifts to Kasande Mackline of Kibuye Secondary School, who excelled in the poetry competition.

In her remarks, Happy Ainomugisha, the Programmes Manager at ACFODE, which is implementing a three-year project focused on engaging men and women in promoting social and gender transformation in refugee and host communities towards peaceful coexistence, noted that the use of debate and poetry competitions in schools helps to effectively disseminate information on combating gender-based violence (GBV) within communities.

She further emphasised that this approach also enables students to build self-confidence, develop strong argumentative skills, and improve their research abilities.

Happy Ainomugisha addressing participants during the debate session.

Kiiza Godden, the District Inspector of Schools for Kyegegwa, commended ACFODE for organising the debate and poetry competitions, noting that the initiative aligns with the current curriculum’s emphasis on competence-based assessment.

Kiiza Godden speaking on ACFODE’s initiatives.
Kasande Mackline, who performed best in the poetry competition.

At the end of the event, Hellen Twongyirwe, the chief judge, declared Kasande Mackline of Kibuye Secondary School as the best performer in poetry. Manzi Biraguma of Bukeere Secondary School was named the best male speaker, while Grace Birungi of Kibuye Secondary School was recognised as the best female speaker.

The three winners could not hide their joy after emerging victorious and commended their teachers as well as ACFODE for the support.

Winners receiving recognition during the ACFODE competition.