08 Sep
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Albino Refugee Gains Confidence Through Shared Action Africa.

Victoria Francine, an Albino Refugee Empowered by Shared Action Africa.

Victoria Francine, an albino and refugee living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, has shared her powerful testimony following the intervention of Shared Action Africa during their recent community outreach program. The outreach specifically targeted people with albinism, aiming to provide them with access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, which many of them had previously been unable to receive due to stigma, fear, and lack of information.

The program, conducted in Nakivale, was designed to empower vulnerable groups such as young albinos who often face challenges of discrimination, isolation, and limited access to health services. Through the outreach, Shared Action Africa not only delivered medical support but also provided guidance, counseling, and practical training to ensure that participants could lead healthier and more confident lives.

Victoria explained that her life was transformed as a result of the teachings and training provided by the health team. She emphasized that the outreach addressed some of the most personal and critical issues that young girls like her face, particularly around menstrual hygiene.

“I did not know how to wear and use sanitary pads. I had never used them in my life before, but now I know. I understand their use and importance in life,” Victoria said. “I was trained by the Shared Action Africa health team on how to use them and how to stay clean as a girl. Afterwards, the Shared Action Africa team provided me with free pads. I no longer lack them; I now have them in big numbers.”

Victoria added that before the intervention, she relied on pieces of cloth to manage her menstruation. This, however, exposed her to frequent infections and poor hygiene, which affected her health and wellbeing. “Before, I used to rely on pieces of cloth, which often gave me infections, and I was always sick. But now I am okay, I feel fine, and I have no problem,” she explained.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organization for stepping in to address the challenges faced by people living with albinism. “God bless Shared Action Africa and keep it strong to continue helping people like me,” Victoria concluded.

The story of Victoria reflects the broader mission of Shared Action Africa, which continues to work with marginalized groups in refugee settlements to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing health, dignity, and equal opportunities.

ocus said.

08 Sep
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Bisibizimaan Claudine, a Refugee and Albino Youth Empowered by Shared Action Africa

Albino Refugee Youth in Nakivale Empowered by Shared Action Africa.

Bisibizimaan Claudine, a 16-year-old albino refugee living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, was supported by Shared Action Africa during a community outreach on sexual and reproductive health services for albino youths in Isungezi village. The program was intended to reach out to albino youth who often fear going to hospitals to access health services and information vital for their wellbeing.

Shared Action Africa extended services directly to the community, providing health care, guidance, and social support. They taught participants how to live in harmony within their communities, addressed challenges of isolation through community trainings and sensitization, and worked to reduce discrimination and mistreatment of albinos in the settlement. The organization also carried out free HIV testing and counseling, shared words of wisdom and encouragement to build resilience, especially among girls, and conducted hygiene training for teenage girls on how to manage themselves during menstruation.

Claudine shared her personal experience as an albino after the training provided by Shared Action Africa, which had intervened in her life.

“I am so grateful to Shared Action Africa for teaching us how to properly use pads. Some of us did not know how to use them. We used to hear about them, but we had never tried them out. We are lucky and blessed today for this wonderful support. I have been trained on how to keep myself clean whenever I am menstruating. I also tested for HIV, and I am fine. As a youth, at an early age, I was trained on how to protect myself from HIV, STIs, and unwanted pregnancies since we live in a busy environment with different tribes and cultures. I was trained to avoid moving at night and associating with men in order to reduce risks of rape and early sexual engagements. I am now properly trained, and I will continue with school until I finish. Shared Action Africa also addressed our problem of isolation by teachers and fellow children at school. As albinos, we were not considered normal. But through community sensitization and school trainings about discrimination, the situation has improved, and we have now regained peace, “she said.

ocus said.

08 Sep
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Refugee Mother Cries Out Over Albino Child’s Discrimination.

Refugee Mother Speaks Out on Discrimination Against Her Albino Child in Nakivale Settlement.

Nuwasaba Jannati, a resident of Isungezi village in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, is a refugee and a mother of five children. Her second-born, a seven-year-old girl, is an albino.

During a recent outreach organized by Shared Action Africa, the organization focused on sexual and reproductive health services for albino youths. As part of the initiative, Shared Action Africa distributed free sanitary pads, provided hygiene training, and offered support to address the social and health challenges faced by albino children in refugee communities.

Jannati described the difficulties she has faced raising her children under such conditions. She explained that children with albinism are often stigmatized and socially excluded, as many community members wrongly consider them a curse and refuse to associate with them.

“My children are mistreated so much in this community. They are isolated and not considered like other kids. Since this camp hosts people from different tribes, cultures, and beliefs from various countries, my child is taken as a curse. They don’t want to share anything with her and treat her as a taboo. When she goes to fetch water from the borehole, she is always beaten by other children and even adults. Now she fears going there. She is always living in fear,” Jannati said.

She further explained that environmental conditions pose additional challenges for her daughter.

“When it is sunny or too hot, she develops skin diseases. The sun burns her skin, leaving it damaged. I always have to buy Vaseline for her, but it is very expensive and at times I cannot afford it. In the community, other children isolate her and refuse to play with her. This makes her feel lonely and inferior. They laugh at her because she does not look like them and does not fit in. My daughter is now depressed, fearful, and at times refuses to go outside,” she added.

Despite these challenges, Jannati expressed gratitude to Shared Action Africa for its efforts to create awareness and promote inclusion.

“I am grateful that Shared Action Africa has offered community training to sensitize the public about the lives of people with albinism. They taught that albinos are also human beings. I have witnessed positive transformation among community members who admitted they were wrong and promised to change and start treating albinos better. Shared Action Africa also gave our children free sanitary pads, since we could not afford them. They trained us in hygiene and taught us how to associate with the locals. We now feel like we have regained our freedom. I am hopeful there will be no more isolation of my daughter, Mutese, in this community,” Jannati concluded.

Docus said.

02 Sep
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Namara Docus Praises Life-Saving Screening by Shared Action Africa”

Namara Docus Hails Shared Action Africa for Life-Saving Cervical Cancer Screening.

A mother is Grateful to Shared Action Africa After Early Cervical Cancer Detection Saves Her Life.

Namara Docus, a resident of Murutooma Cell in Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Southwestern Uganda, expressed her happiness and excitement after a life-changing experience. She had gone to Ishungezi Health Center III for malaria treatment when she found the Shared Action Africa team conducting a training session about cervical cancer. She developed interest in the topic and later participated in the cervical cancer testing and screening exercise, where she tested positive.

Docus appreciates Shared Action Africa for saving her life. She explained that she had been living with the disease unknowingly, which put her life at great risk, but thanks to the early detection and treatment, she now feels safe and free.

“I tested positive for cervical cancer during the outreach conducted by Shared Action Africa. After the test, I was trained and counseled on how to keep myself safe and undergo treatment. I was later treated and referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where I will continue receiving treatment until I get better. This training has opened my eyes. If I had not been trained and tested, I would have continued living with the disease without knowing, and it would have slowly killed me. But now, I know I will not die, and I will not face any serious health problems. I am safe, I will stay alive, and I will raise my children. I will not stop here. I will spread this information to the rest of my village members so that I can also help save my community. I deeply appreciate Shared Action Africa for the services given to me,” Docus said.

02 Sep
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Cervical Screening Brings Relief to Oruchinga Refugees”

Cervical Cancer Screening Brings Relief to Oruchinga Refugee Settlement.

Mugabirwe Doreen, a resident of Oruchinga Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District, she is happy after testing negative for cervical cancer during the Shared Action Africa family planning community outreach held in the settlement.

“I am very happy that I tested for cervical cancer and the results came out negative,” Doreen said. “Shared Action Africa came to our village and offered us free cervical cancer services. This has reduced my risk of getting the disease.”

She explained that before the outreach, many women in the community had no knowledge about cervical cancer. “We are so happy and glad to have received this wonderful blessing from Shared Action Africa. As village women, we did not know anything about cervical cancer. But now, because of the health education provided by the medical team, we know about the disease, how it spreads, and how we can mitigate it. We even know its symptoms, and we can easily run for help in case we realize it,” she said.

Doreen emphasized that the program not only gave her peace of mind about cervical cancer but also helped her identify other health issues. “I really bless the team because, in that process, I was diagnosed with infections, including UTIs. I was immediately given treatment, and the treatment was free of charge. I am sure that I am safe. God bless you,” she said.

According to Doreen, the outreach has transformed the way women in Oruchinga Settlement view their health. “We are now free from the fear of losing our lives. This program has given us hope and confidence,” she noted.

Her testimony highlights the importance of free healthcare services for vulnerable communities. With education, screening, and treatment combined, Shared Action Africa has not only empowered women in Oruchinga but also saved lives.

 

 

02 Sep
Advocacy, Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Shared Action Africa Leads Cervical Cancer Fight in Refugee Communities”

Shared Action Africa in Cervical Cancer Fight within Refugee Communities.

Shared Action Africa has intensified its efforts in the fight against cervical cancer within refugee communities. The health team, led by Kamusiima Adella, a midwife by profession and Sexual and Reproductive Health Officer at Shared Action Africa, represented the organization during an outreach at Oruchinga Refugee Settlement. The mission involved cervical cancer screening and training women refugees on how to protect themselves and manage the condition if diagnosed.

Adella emphasized that Shared Action Africa’s goal is to reduce the spread of cervical cancer among women by increasing awareness, providing training on prevention strategies, and offering regular cancer screening and testing.

“Today, as the Shared Action Africa team, we are at Ishungezi Health Center III, located in Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Western Uganda. We conducted health education at the facility, mobilized people from neighboring villages, and taught the community about cervical cancer, how it spreads, those at risk, and the preventive measures. After the education session, we provided cervical cancer screening services to the community. For the women who tested negative using VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid), we provided them with preventive treatment and linked them to VHTs (Village Health Teams) for follow-ups. For the few who tested positive, we were able to manage some through thermocoagulation, while others were referred to the regional referral hospital. They were also connected to VHTs for continuous monitoring and support. We believe the training was effective because it was highly interactive. The mothers will share the knowledge with their neighbors, friends, daughters, husbands, and other community members, spreading the message of health awareness. We are confident that, over time, this community will become more informed about cervical cancer, leading to a significant reduction in its spread,” Adella said.

18 Aug
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

“From Refugee to Self-Reliant Farmer in Nakivale”

Women Growing Independence: Musabyimana Angelique Leads Ubumwe Group in Nakivale.

In Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda, women are redefining resilience and independence through agriculture. Musabyimana Angelique, a committed member and caretaker of the Ubumwe group’s sukuma wiki garden, is one of them.

Standing proudly among the thriving rows of greens, Angelique explains that the group is now planning to expand their gardens. “Since the rainy season has begun, it is the right time to plant new nursery beds,” she says. The Ubumwe group is preparing to secure more vegetable seeds, hoping to build on the success of their previous harvests.

That success has been remarkable. From their sukuma wiki gardens, the women collectively earn about UGX 400,000 (USD 105) per month. This income goes beyond household expenses—it enables them to buy personal items, reinvest in agriculture, and cover family needs. Importantly, it also ensures their children eat a balanced diet. “Our children are healthier now,” Angelique notes. “They eat enough vegetables and feed well.”

The group credits Shared Action Africa for empowering them with the knowledge and skills to start and sustain their agricultural ventures. Before joining, many of the women relied solely on the limited support of their husbands or aid assistance. Today, they are proud contributors to their families’ welfare.

“We no longer wait for money from our men or the fathers of our children,” the women explain. “Through agriculture, we make our own money, pay our bills, and lighten the burden on our families.”

What began as a small garden has grown into a source of pride, health, and empowerment. For Musabyimana Angelique and her group, agriculture is not just about food—it is about dignity, independence, and building a future with hope.

 

ill always be grateful.”

18 Aug
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

“From Refugee to Self-Reliant Farmer in Nakivale”

From Refugee to Farmer: How Training Transformed Bagyema Syliaque’s Life in Nakivale.

In the heart of Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement, resilience and hope often grow in unexpected places. For Bagyema Syliaque, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo and a member of the Ubumwe group in Nyarugugu “C,” that hope now grows in his garden—lush rows of cabbage, sukuma wiki, and African eggplant.

When Bagyema first arrived in Nakivale, like many refugees, he struggled to rebuild his life and provide for his family. Farming was not new to him, but maximizing productivity in the limited land and challenging conditions of a settlement required new skills. This turning point came when Shared Action Africa, an organization dedicated to empowering refugees and vulnerable communities, introduced agricultural training programs.

“I had no idea that farming could change my life this way,” Bagyema recalls. “Shared Action Africa trained me on how to plant cabbages, sukuma wiki, and eggplants. I mastered the skills, and now I harvest enough not only to feed my family but also to sell and make money.”

The results speak volumes. Bagyema currently earns over UGX 550,000 (approximately USD 150) per month from his harvest. This income, though modest by global standards, has been transformative in the context of refugee life. With his earnings, Bagyema pays school fees for his children, buys household necessities, and ensures his family has access to nutritious meals.

“I don’t regret joining this program,” he says with a smile. “My family eats enough greens and food every day. We always have sauce to serve with our meals, and I have money to cater for their needs. Shared Action Africa came into my life as a blessing.”

Beyond improving his own household, Bagyema’s success story highlights the broader impact of agricultural training in refugee settlements. Refugees often face dependency on aid, limited economic opportunities, and food insecurity. By equipping individuals like Bagyema with practical skills and resources, organizations such as Shared Action Africa foster resilience, independence, and dignity.

Agricultural empowerment also creates ripple effects in the community. Fresh produce like cabbage, sukuma wiki, and African eggplant are not only consumed by families but also sold in local markets, contributing to food security and stimulating small-scale trade in the settlements. This helps refugees shift from being aid recipients to active contributors to local economies.

The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Uganda hosts over 1.5 million refugees, with settlements like Nakivale being home to thousands. Ensuring their self-reliance through agriculture and livelihood projects is key to both survival and long-term development.

For Bagyema, the transformation is deeply personal. From uncertainty to stability, from dependence to self-sufficiency, his garden is more than just a source of income—it is a symbol of hope.

“Farming has given me dignity,” he concludes. “I can stand proud knowing I provide for my children and my family. Shared Action Africa showed me the way, and for that, I will always be grateful.”

18 Aug
Advocacy, Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Shared Action Africa Supports Youth with Disabilities in Menstrual Hygiene.

Shared Action Africa Empowers Youths with Disabilities in Menstrual Hygiene Management in Rubondo Refugee Settlement.

In Rubondo Village, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda, a major advancement in inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) has been made as Shared Action Africa expands its menstrual hygiene services to refugee youths with disabilities, equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to manage menstruation with dignity. This initiative addresses the urgent needs of young people with disabilities, who remain among the most marginalized groups in refugee communities and often face barriers that hinder their social participation.

Through focused training sessions, Shared Action Africa instructs youths not only on proper menstrual hygiene practices but also on integrating smoothly into community life during menstruation and in everyday activities. Oyera Shiba, Assistant Sexual and Reproductive Health Officer at Shared Action Africa, emphasized the organization’s approach: “As Shared Action Africa, we are empowering dignity through action. We distribute sanitary pads to people living with disabilities in Rubondo while supporting caregivers with knowledge and awareness on how to help their children and relatives manage menstruation effectively.”

For many young women involved, menstruation had long been a source of isolation, shame, and anxiety. Participants recounted the emotional and social difficulties they faced prior to the intervention. “We were often isolated in our communities because of our nature. This made us hate ourselves and avoid interacting with our peers, fearing ridicule and exclusion,” said one participant. Limited access to sanitary products compounded these challenges, as many could not afford disposable pads due to unemployment or physical limitations, leaving them exposed to discomfort, health risks, and stigma.

Before Shared Action Africa’s program, girls with disabilities frequently experienced menstrual leakage in public spaces, increasing feelings of embarrassment and exclusion. “During our menstrual days, we couldn’t clean ourselves properly because of our conditions. Sometimes, our periods would drop, and we feared going out into the community,” one participant explained. This lack of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) support prevented many from fully participating in social, educational, and recreational activities.

Since the initiative’s inception, the situation has changed dramatically. The organization provides comprehensive guidance on personal hygiene, safe use of disposable pads, and strategies to navigate community life during menstruation. Caregivers also receive specialized training, reinforcing hygienic practices and offering support at home.

The impact on the youths has been significant. Many report restored confidence and improved relationships within their communities. “After Shared Action Africa’s training, we feel like we’ve regained our rights. People no longer laugh at us; instead, they help and support us during our periods. We associate normally with others, and there are no negative impacts on our daily life in the community,” shared one young woman.

Providing free disposable sanitary pads has been a critical aspect of the program. For youths unable to purchase menstrual products, this support has reduced financial stress and ensured consistent hygiene management. Participants expressed gratitude, noting that the pads help prevent infections and preserve dignity.

Additionally, the program has raised awareness across the broader community. By educating youths and caregivers, Shared Action Africa fosters understanding and empathy. Community members now provide assistance during menstruation and advocate for inclusive practices accommodating people with disabilities.

“This program has not only addressed the practical needs of menstrual hygiene but has also restored confidence, self-esteem, and social inclusion for youths with disabilities,” Shiba added. “It is a demonstration of how inclusive approaches in SRHR can transform lives, promote dignity, and strengthen community cohesion.”

Shared Action Africa continues to champion the rights of marginalized populations, including refugees and persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to essential SRHR services. Their commitment to empowering dignity through action reflects a vision of inclusive development in which every young person can participate fully in their communities, regardless of physical or social barriers.

Through these programs, young women in Rubondo Refugee Settlement are reclaiming their agency, managing menstruation with dignity, and experiencing renewed belonging in their communities. Their stories illustrate the transformative impact of compassionate, inclusive interventions in fostering both personal empowerment and social cohesion.

18 Aug
Advocacy, Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Shared Action Africa Expands SRHR Services for People with Disabilities in Refugee Settlements

Shared Action Africa Expands SRHR Services to People with Disabilities in Nakivale and Oruchinga Refugee Settlements.

Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements in Isingiro District, Uganda, have become critical hubs for humanitarian support, hosting refugees who have fled conflict and instability in their home countries. Among these populations, people living with disabilities face significant barriers to accessing essential health and social services. Recognizing this gap, Shared Action Africa, a leading humanitarian and development organization, has intensified efforts to ensure that Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services are accessible to all, including individuals with physical disabilities.

Atamba Kobuhwezi, a midwife with Shared Action Africa stationed at Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, explained that the organization recently conducted an SRHR session focused on the inclusion of people with disabilities in health service utilization. She noted, “This was an SRHR session on how we can include people with disabilities in the utilization of SRHR services. We encouraged the youth to also join the groups of people with disabilities, as the older generation is already doing.”

During the session, participants outlined the daily challenges they face, including the inability to afford treatment, frequent stockouts of essential medications, and limited access to appropriate mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking sticks. “They requested support, including a camp specifically for people with disabilities, staffed with specialists and equipped with medicines, scans, and mobility aids,” Kobuhwezi added. The session took place in Kisoro Village within the Oruchinga settlement, highlighting Shared Action Africa’s grassroots approach to understanding and responding to local needs.

A key recommendation from the organization was the establishment of unified groups for people with disabilities. By organizing collectively, beneficiaries can ensure that assistance is distributed efficiently and reaches those most in need. “We encouraged them to have a group as one for people with disabilities so that once any help comes in, they can be supported immediately,” Kobuhwezi explained. This initiative aligns with Shared Action Africa’s broader mission to enhance the inclusion of marginalized communities in essential health services.

In addition to forming groups, the organization emphasized leveraging community-based structures such as Village Health Teams (VHTs) and peer educators. These networks facilitate access to healthcare facilities closer to beneficiaries’ homes, mitigating barriers related to distance, cost, and mobility challenges. “We encouraged them to use the VHTs and peer educators to easily access treatment from nearby facilities,” Kobuhwezi added.

Shared Action Africa’s interventions underscore the recognition that refugee populations are not homogenous, and different subgroups require tailored approaches. For people with disabilities, the combined challenges of displacement, physical limitations, and lack of specialized services can significantly hinder their quality of life. By providing SRHR education and facilitating access to medical care and mobility aids, the organization is addressing a critical gap in humanitarian programming.

Looking ahead, Shared Action Africa aims to extend its SRHR services to even more people with disabilities across both Nakivale and Oruchinga settlements. These initiatives are vital for promoting equity in healthcare and ensuring that no refugee is left behind due to physical limitations or socio-economic constraints.

The SRHR sessions have also sparked community-level advocacy. By encouraging youth participation in supporting people with disabilities, Shared Action Africa is fostering intergenerational solidarity, building sustainable care systems, and raising awareness about the unique needs of people with disabilities within refugee populations.

Through these efforts, Shared Action Africa is advancing a broader commitment to human rights, inclusion, and comprehensive healthcare. By addressing gaps in SRHR service delivery and promoting specialized support structures, the organization is setting a benchmark for inclusive refugee health programs. The experiences from Nakivale and Oruchinga settlements offer valuable lessons that could inform humanitarian initiatives in other contexts, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not overlooked in health and development efforts.

As Shared Action Africa continues to expand its services, the organization’s vision is clear: to empower people with disabilities within refugee settlements, providing equitable access to healthcare, mobility aids, and supportive community networks. Through sustained engagement and tailored interventions, Shared Action Africa is redefining inclusive healthcare in Uganda’s refugee settlements.

 

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