Mego Makwiny Restorative Group launches Kalongo chapter

14 June 2025, 8:22 AM

By Alfonse Olweny

The Mego Makwiny Community Restorative Group has launched its Kalongo Chapter in Agago North, expanding its reach in grassroots advocacy for human rights and community resilience. The group, which is predominantly made up of women, also includes youth, widows, widowers, and married couples. Women constitute about 80% of its membership.

The group aims to address issues affecting women, men, and children through various interventions including community dialogues, personal counselling sessions, and referral of serious cases to appropriate offices.

Akello Nighty, the chairperson of the Agago district, said their goal is to empower local families, especially women, to address rights violations while also strengthening household food security.

She explained that beyond counselling, members are encouraged to join Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), engage in crop farming, and support small-scale piggery projects. She pointed to the example of the Patongo Chapter, which has 5 acres of soybean, 6 acres of sunflower, and 2 acres of maize under cultivation.

As part of the event, new leaders were elected for the Kalongo Chapter. The new chairperson, Lalam Margaret, expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying the group will be a critical platform for speaking out against injustices and resolving conflicts in Agago North. She also thanked development partners for supporting the launch.

The launch was supported by the Northern Uganda Widows and Orphans Support Organization (NUWOSO), in partnership with UN Women and the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund.

NUWOSO pledged to continue supporting the group through leadership training and logistics such as uniforms and stationery to enhance their visibility and impact.

Also in attendance were officials from Kalongo Town Council, including the Community Development Officer, Ataro Winny, who urged the members to remain committed, disciplined, and exemplary in the community. She pledged close collaboration with the group moving forward.