Manige Arimbangira, Mbarara – On July 2nd, 2024, at Lake View Hotel in Mbarara, Friends of Women Initiative (FROWI) held a press conference to announce the launch of a campaign aimed at tackling land conflicts affecting women across Uganda.
The initiative has garnered support from various organizations committed to assisting women in navigating these disputes. Notable allies include Changing Lives Uganda, Center for Women in Development, Women of Integrity and Rights, and the Rural Women Defenders Network.
Miss Beinomugisga, a legal officer at FROWI, emphasized the importance of collaboration among government authorities, religious and cultural leaders, non-governmental organizations, judicial officers, law enforcement agencies, and the Uganda Land Commission.
Their collective involvement is crucial in resolving the complex issues stemming from land conflicts, exacerbated by resource constraints, corruption, and political pressures. FROWI has been actively engaged in training and educating the public on land laws to mitigate these challenges.
Sarah Kobusingye, representing the Women of Courage Network, highlighted key findings from the field, citing succession disputes, land grabbing, inadequate legal knowledge, rapid population growth, administrative weaknesses, and flawed land policies as major obstacles to resolving land conflicts in Uganda.
“FROWI is dedicated to supporting low-income earners and genuine victims of land grabbing and evictions,” stated Miss Kobusingye, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fairness and justice. She clarified that FROWI does not condone illegal activities such as settling on government gazetted lands like wetlands or road reserves. The organization provides free legal assistance through skilled lawyers to represent victims in court.
Operating on a nonprofit basis, Friends of Women Initiative envisions empowering women, advocating against injustice, and promoting equality for all. Their overarching goal is to create a society characterized by hope, inclusivity, and peace, where women and girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are prepared for personal, career, and economic success through targeted programs.
The initiative’s mission resonates with their vision: “To seek a society of hope, inclusion, peace and empowered to live with dignity.”
