The Action for Development (AFODE), one of Uganda’s oldest women’s rights organizations, marked 40 years of advocacy on November 21 with calls for renewed commitment to gender equality amid funding cuts and tightening civic space.
In her commemorative remarks, ACFODE Executive Director Regina Bafaki said the anniversary reflected four decades of work advancing women’s rights, transforming lives and influencing national policy and thanked partners who had supported the organization since its founding in 1985.
Ms Bafaki highlighted key milestones, including leading national consultations during the 1994 constitution-making process, championing the establishment of the school of Women and Gender Studies, supporting the growth of women-led organizations and initiating key publications in local media.
She added that “ACFODE has built community structures that support gender and development work and set-up a peace Hub in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement that offers counselling and psychosocial support.”
Ms. Bafaki also noted persistent challenges, including shrinking donor funding and backlash against gender equality efforts in some communities – pressure increasingly faced by Uganda civil society groups.
In her closing address, UNDP’s Annet Mpabulungi praised ACFODE’s founders and said the organization had shaped national policy and produced knowledge that empower women.
She pointed to ongoing collaboration under the UN Spotlight Initiative, including efforts to promote male champions in the fight for gender equality.
Ms Mpabulungi commended ACFODE’s role in policy advocacy, economic empowerment and reducing harmful norms that fuel gender -based violence.
She urged the organization to integrate artificial intelligence into its programming and encouraged young people to remain grounded as they address the realities of at-risk groups. She reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to working with ACFODE on gender equality.
The celebration, held under the theme “40 Years of Resilience, Transforming Lives and Recommitment to Gender Equality” drew rights activists, national and international partners, development agencies, civil society leaders and gender crusaders.
ACFODE honoured several contributors to its work, including more that 30-year donor partner Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Prof Joy Kwesiga, recognised for her central role in the organization’s formative years, said that ACFODE helped “light a fire in the women’s movement” at a time when it was “in limbo”
She recalled its early contributions to gender justice, many of which continue to shape Uganda’s women’s rights landscape.
The evening also featured a performance by poet Destiny Gladys Chainga, whose customised piece “Forty Stars and Forty Steps” paid tribute to ACFODE’s four decades of activism.
The Wilmat Development Foundation and other partners extended public messages of solidarity.
“We join ACFODE to celebrate the journey of resilience and selfless efforts of gender transformation across Uganda and beyond” the foundation wrote on x.
Founded in November 1985, ACFODE has survived some of the tougher periods for NGOs in Uganda.
The country’s NGO Bureau has reported a sharp drop in the number of active organizations – from 14,000 in 2019 to just over 5,000 in 2025 – amid funding cuts and stricter government policies.
ACFODE concluded its 40 – year commemoration by unveiling its Strategic Plan 2024 – 2030, centred on “remodelling and consolidating achievements for a resilient and sustainable gender and women’s empowerment in Uganda.”