Africa-Press – Uganda. The Government, in partnership with the European Union, United Nations agencies, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has launched the second phase of the Spotlight Initiative Joint Programme (SIJP 2.0), valued at Shs116.44 billion.
Unveiled on Monday at the Adjumani Multipurpose Training Centre, the programme targets empowerment of more than three million adolescent girls, young women, and youth—especially those in refugee-hosting communities—across five districts: Adjumani, Lamwo, Nebbi, Madi-Okollo, and Oyam.
Running through 2027, SIJP 2.0 focuses on eliminating gender-based violence (GBV), expanding access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and promoting vocational and life skills development.
The selected districts were chosen based on high GBV prevalence, low girl-child school retention rates, and limited access to SRHR services.
Richard Edema Draciri, Principal Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for practical skills to combat youth unemployment.
“Our young people need practical and employable skills now more than ever,” he said. “This programme is timely and relevant.”
Emmanuel Okware, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, praised the programme’s inclusivity and urged implementers to apply gender-sensitive, community-based approaches to ensure no one is left behind.
John Sabuni, Secretary for Health and Community Services and District Councillor for Arinyapi Sub-county, pledged full district support and called for changing negative perceptions toward vocational training, especially among out-of-school youth.
Highlighting the programme’s urgency, Nebbi Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak revealed that over 400 cases of teenage pregnancy were recorded in a single school term.
“This shows how critical interventions like this are. We need more school-community barazas to open conversations,” he said.
Dr. Angela Nakafeero, Commissioner for Gender and Women Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, reaffirmed the government’s commitment.
“Spotlight 2.0 delivers integrated services addressing violence, reproductive health, education, and economic empowerment,” she said.
“One goal is to ensure adolescent girls and young women have access to safe learning environments, WASH services, and supportive systems.”
Local governments, civil society, and development partners will play key roles in prevention, service delivery, and institutional strengthening to guarantee sustainability.
Officials say the initiative marks a bold step toward fulfilling Uganda’s national commitment to end all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030.
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