Together Project Enters New Phase as ADRA Takes the Helm

19 March 2026, 12:49 pm

By Odong James

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency, ADRA Uganda, has officially taken over full responsibility for the implementation of the Together Project, marking a significant transition aimed at sustaining community gains and strengthening service delivery across East Acholi.

The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday at Bomah Hotel in Kitgum Municipality, saw ADRA Uganda assume control of project assets, documentation, community relationships, and ongoing activities from former implementing partners, Straight Talk Foundation and Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

The event was attended by district leaders and technical officials from Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader, and Agago, alongside representatives from ADRA Uganda, Straight Talk Foundation, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences, and other key stakeholders.

Launched in January 2022 and scheduled to run until August 2027, the Together Project focuses on advocacy, strategic service delivery, and capacity building, particularly in advancing sexual and reproductive health rights and addressing gender-based violence among vulnerable populations.

Speaking at the event, the Together Project Manager, Pio Ndahilo, emphasized the need for sustainability and stronger institutional ownership to ensure that the progress achieved under the project continues to benefit communities beyond the transition.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Straight Talk Foundation, David Talima, applauded the collaboration among partners, noting that the project has significantly strengthened relationships between leaders, implementers, and communities.

Talima highlighted that the initiative has enhanced learning, fostered trust, and created effective linkages that have contributed to the project’s success.

On her part, Edith Akankwasa, Principal of Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences, representing the Executive Director, revealed that since the project’s inception, there has been a 30 percent increase in the reporting of sexual and gender-based violence cases across the region.

She explained that increased reporting reflects growing community awareness and trust in support systems, enabling faster intervention by authorities, improved referrals, and more effective prevention strategies.

ADRA Uganda Country Director, Elder John Mwanza, called on local governments and partners to ensure continuity of project activities to prevent the gains from diminishing after the eventual project close.

He urged stakeholders to integrate project interventions into schools, health facilities, and community structures, stressing the importance of protecting young people’s sexual and reproductive health rights and supporting them to stay in school and complete their education.

The transition now positions ADRA Uganda as the sole implementer of the Together Project, with renewed commitment to building resilient communities and sustaining impactful development outcomes across East Acholi.