Welcome Note: Government of Uganda
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in collaboration with Impact and Innovations Development Centre (IIDC) welcomes you to the REAL Fathers Program Annual Learning Convening, under the theme: “Nurturing Responsible Fatherhood in Uganda: Lessons, Impact and Opportunities for Scale up”.
This learning convening brings together key decision-makers and champions from across Government, development agencies, civil society, the private sector, and academia to pause and learn together—reflecting on the impact of the REAL Fathers intervention, examining implementation experiences at scale, sharing
evidence and promising practices, and discussing opportunities for adoption and scale-up. Drawing on learning from diverse district contexts, the convening will generate insights to strengthen effectiveness, sustainability, and Government ownership of male engagement interventions, and to inform policy and
programming going forward.
Let this convening inspire bold leadership and a collective resolve to work more collaboratively at community level, deliberately targeting fathers, to improve parenting knowledge and skills, end gender based violence, support early childhood development: to build happy and thriving families and stronger communities.
Government of Uganda is committed to supporting learning, evidence-informed action and productive partnerships that engage men to end violence, nurture children and participate effectively in socio-economic activities.
We thank you for joining us, and we look forward to a productive and impactful engagement.
MR. A. D. KIBENGE
PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF GENDER, LABOUR AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Learning Together: IIDC Executive Director
Our esteemed stakeholders: All protocol observed. On behalf of Impact and Innovations development Centre (IIDC) as convening co-host alongside Government of Uganda Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, I warmly welcome you to this first Annual Learning Convening on scaling REAL fathers’ program in Uganda. Your acceptance of the invitation to attend this learning convening confirms your commitment to supporting responsible fatherhood in Uganda.
Allow me to briefly introduce IIDC to you. We are a not-for-profit Technical Assistance regional organization with our core business as journeying
with development organizations interested in designing, implementing and learning from impactful interventions. In a nutshell, we partner, technically guide, collaborate and learn along with organizations that seek our services.
Under scaling of the REAL fathers’ program in Uganda, we are several partners working towards a common objective – strengthening the role of
fathers in building loving and caring family environments for all family members. IIDC is leading the implementation aspect in collaboration with ten non-governmental organizations, with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) leading the measurement of program outcomes/ results.
Therefore, as we meet to jointly reflect and learn from REAL fathers’ program roll out since 2022, we recognise and appreciate the contribution of each and every person who has been part of this process. In this convening we have purposive representation from national level up to the
community so that our shared learning under the broad theme: “Nurturing Responsible Fatherhood in Uganda: Lessons, Impact and Opportunities for scale up” can draw from the knowledge and lived experiences of a diverse stakeholder base for the REAL fathers’ program.
In view of fatherhood centrality in Uganda family system, on the agenda we have a Key note Address to be delivered by the Ministry of Gender, labour and Social Development. I urge all of us to pay close attention to the address and be actively involved in discussions and other learning arrangements on the programme.
It is our expected hope that by the end of the two days each one of us will have learnt something new, made connections with new people, and identified areas for integration of REAL fathers’ program here after.
Unusual to many convenings of this stature, alongside presentations, in this room we have young fathers, their wives and some of their babies. We welcome them in a special way and look forward to learning from their lived experiences of how the REAL fathers’ program has impacted their lives.
As co-host, IIDC role is primarily to facilitate the learning process alongside designated speakers. We reiterate the need for each participant to fully engage and maximize this opportunity before us to spotlight what is progressing well and what remains a challenge in the roll out of REAL fathers’ program in the country. We are hopeful that a clear direction on priorities for REAL fathers scaling to new districts as well as subsequent learning focus areas shall be defined by the end of the convening.
Once again, we are honored to host you in your noble capacities and look forward to rich and productive discussions over the next two days.
MR. DEOGRATIAS YIGA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IIDC
CONVENING SPACE: HOTEL AFRICANA AND CONVENTION CENTER
Welcome to Ugandan hospitality at the prestigious Hotel Africana and Convention Centre. The centre will host the inaugural REAL Fathers Annual learning convening. Located in the Central Business District of Kampala City, you can enjoy Kampala’s skyline, bask in the warm tropical sun in the luscious gardens while you network over a drink or a gym workout sparking conversations to advance the convening goals. Enjoy Kampala’s multicultural fusion by taking a stroll to nearby leisure venues and sample the delights of the Pearl of Africa.
"Over the next few days, this venue will be more than a conference location—it will be a vibrant home for learning, collaboration, and inspiration."
On-site Facilities
Airport Transfers Business Center Forex Bureau Jacuzzi Sauna & Steam Bath Smoking Area State of the Art Gym Swimming Pool Taxi & Shuttles Valet Services Wi-Fi
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION
REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND
The REAL Fathers Annual Learning Convening shall be streamed live on Zoom for those who may be unable to attend the physical event.
To attend and participate in this event, kindly click the link below to fill out a short registration form and a link to the event shall be sent to your email address:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MqvTrScdTuyZ5_AYbn3NiQ