RUBIRIZI, UGANDA – ACODEV-Uganda, in partnership with the Rubirizi District Local Government, has launched a series of “Couple Dialogues” in a significant step towards fostering healthier and more harmonious households.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The initiative, unveiled over the weekend in Ntunga A and B villages, Kikumbo Parish, Katerera Sub-county, aims to promote shared responsibility in family planning, drive community mindset change, and reduce Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within families.
Cindy Okullo, ACODEV Uganda’s Program Manager, stated the program’s goal is to bring couples together to collectively access services and make joint decisions on family size.
She emphasized that the initiative is designed to empower both men and women, specifically targeting individuals aged 15–49 to reach couples at a pivotal stage in their lives.
“The goal is to bring couples together to access services and make joint decisions on family size. This program empowers both men and women, which is why we are targeting individuals aged 15–49 to reach couples at a pivotal stage,” Ms. Okullo stated.
The Rubirizi District Vice Chairperson, Hon. Godfrey Kambendiho, thanked ACODEV for a timely intervention, noting that many families struggle with cooperation on family planning.
He stated that the training will provide couples with the essential tools to work together as a unit and plan for a brighter future.
“Many families struggle with cooperation, especially on matters of family planning, which often leads to tension. This training will provide essential tools for couples to work together as a unit to develop their families and plan for a brighter future,” Kambendiho said.
Community members at the inaugural meeting, including residents Madam Specioza Kyarimpa and Mr. Didas Rutagarukanyima, reported feeling the immediate impact of the dialogues.
They highlighted that the meeting is already helping couples improve communication skills and foster greater unity within their households.
Residents believe the dialogues will be instrumental in reducing conflicts and misunderstandings that often escalate into domestic violence.
The launch in Ntunga villages marks the start of a broader campaign across Rubirizi District to build stronger families.This community-wide effort directly addresses a critical gap in reproductive health: the low involvement of men.
Through structured dialogue, the initiative creates a platform for open communication and joint decision-making among couples.