When Charles Kwoyelo smiles, the gap left by two missing teeth tells part of a story he would rather forget. Leaning on a walking stick, the resident of Panykel Village in Pajimo Parish, Labongoakwang Sub-county, recalls the violent nightclub brawl six years ago that left him injured and symbolised a life that was spiralling out of control. For years, Mr Kwoyelo lived a troubled life marked by alcoholism, violence, hooliganism and crime. ‘I was a gang leader and we used to waylay young girls and women at night. My parents and the community had given up on me,’ he says.
‘I convinced myself that because I was a person with a disability, I had no value,’ he adds. Today, however, Mr Kwoyelo is now a respected community leader, councillor representing persons with disabilities in Labongoakwang Sub-county, and chairperson of a male action group (MAG) championing the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). His journey began in 2024 when the sub-county community development officer (CDO) encouraged him to join one of the newly established male action groups.
‘When the groups were being formed, the CDO ensured I attended every training and outreach programme. Many people in the community knew me because of my past, so they used me as an example that people can change,’ he says. To encourage his participation, group members elected him chairperson. ‘They made me the head of the group and that changed everything. I developed a love for the trainings and lessons on good conduct, leadership and life skills. It made me appreciate the value of working with others.’
The group members underwent regular training in conflict resolution, mediation, leadership and community mobilisation. They also used drama performances in churches, markets and public gatherings to raise awareness about peaceful coexistence and the dangers of gender-based violence.
The experience transformed Mr Kwoyelo’s outlook and unlocked leadership abilities he never knew he possessed. ‘Leading the group gave me confidence. I later contested for a position representing persons with disabilities in my parish and won. Earlier this year, I was elected councillor for persons with disabilities at the sub-county,’ he says.
He adds that the leadership role has enabled him to mentor idle youth, encourage school attendance and promote positive behaviour among young people.
‘Whenever we find young boys loitering in video halls and trading centres, we talk to them about hard work and avoiding bad practices,’ he says.
His story mirrors a broader social transformation taking place in parts of northern Uganda, where communities are increasingly challenging cultural practices and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women and girls.
In Labongoakwang Sub-county, men and women are working together to promote gender equality and address practices that have historically disadvantaged women. Ms Rose Odano, the head of the Women’s League under Pajimo Chiefdom, says the changes have become increasingly visible over the last two and a half years. ‘Today, women participate in land mediation and conflict resolution alongside men. We even have female elders who help resolve land boundary disputes,’ she says
Ms Odano adds that many traditional practices that humiliated women are gradually being abandoned. She cites cultural ceremonies performed after the birth of twins, where women were traditionally subjected to degrading treatment, including being stripped naked and publicly ridiculed through offensive songs and rituals. ‘Today, many of these practices are disappearing because women have become more aware of their rights and are willing to challenge harmful traditions,’ she says. Mr Charles Oyoo Adot, the representative of persons with disabilities in Pajimo Chiefdom Council, says the intervention has strengthened community efforts to protect girls from child marriage and other forms of abuse.
‘Our capacities as a cultural institution have improved, and we work closely with male action groups to encourage men to reject harmful practices that disadvantage women and girls,’ he says. According to Mr Oyoo, community-based initiatives such as youth farming groups are helping reshape attitudes among young men. ‘The groups teach responsibility through hard work. The proceeds help young people support themselves and their families, but they also create opportunities to discuss equality and respectful relationships,’ he says.
The male action groups are part of the Spotlight Initiative-2 programme implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the European Union, ACORD Uganda and Marie Stopes Uganda. Ms Dinah Teddy Atek, the community development officer for Labongoakwang Sub-county, says the groups have become an important tool in the fight against gender-based violence. ‘They have received training on gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health rights. Today, they conduct community dialogues and awareness campaigns, including in schools,’ she says.