Description of Change Observed(Who/ what/ when / where)
Significance of Change(Why is this change important?)
Contribution (How did JISRA contribute to this change? Were there any other external factors that contributed to this change?)
In July 2022, women have gained courage and self-confidence to advocate against HTPs like child marriages through the women only spaces in community mosques in Yumbe Town Council and this was realized after they had gained capacity through trainings to make referrals to religious leaders and the police for identified HTPs of child and forced marriages upon which religious leaders have taken actions not to accept any marriage of girls below 18 years of age in mosques.
This change is important because it has contributed to reduction of child marriages in Yumbe district. Women in faith communities are actively participating in deciding when their daughters are to get into marriage. Muslim women were earlier not actively involved in taking faith actions and were docile in community engagements with limited space to express themselves, women are referring HTPs to religious leaders and take actions
JISRA trained women and religious leaders on harmful traditional practices and referral pathways. JISRA also created a link between local community leaders, religious leaders and women and youth groups.
In August 2022, Olando Siraji, religious leader from Masjid Taqwain, from Bugiri Municipality in Bugiri district took keen interest in interpretation and understanding of religious texts in Quran 4:124 which states: “If any do deeds of righteousness be they male or female and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.” that previously used to be misinterpreted by men and was used to violate women rights preventing them from meaningful participation which has since then facilitated conversation that triggered changes in social norms which impede the realization and fulfillment of women’s rights.
This change is important because this has contributed to positive change of perception, attitudes and understanding of one another’s inherent rights, acknowledging, respecting and protecting women’s rights, preaching messages of peaceful co-existence and creating more diversity in religious spaces
JISRA trainings , meeting with religious leaders sparked personal reflections on how each one behaves in their homes and is it in accordance with their faith
In September 2022, Religious leaders in Bugiri and Mayuge districts gained confidence to mentor and promote self-awareness among youth with reduced fear that they could take over their positions of leadership in the faith community. Muslim youth have in turn demonstrated development leadership skills by forming and registering youth groups at mosque and district level for linkage to benefit from the Youth Livelihood fund at district level. Religious leaders exhibited capability and skills in conducting mentorship process as it was visible in the way they were continuously engaging the youth in all aspects of life, spiritual and leadership techniques. This was demonstrated in Butanbula, Eastern division, Bugiri Municipality, Bugiri District.
The mentorship process is conducted by religious leaders and its important to build the capacity of religious leaders to be able to effectively mentor the youth on leadership skills.
JISRA facilitated inter face meetings with religious leaders to facilitate inter generational transitioning and mentorship of the youth within the faith structures
In September 2022, the youth under the mentorship programme demonstrated increased knowledge and understanding on leadership skills and they are able to demonstrate it by preparing and taking on Friday summons where the substantive Imams are absent and off for official duties. some youth when interviewed where able to lead prayers in the mosques,67 youth were visited out of which 43 had gained confidence to lead a sermon with congregation prayer, lead a meeting session or teach others on leadership skills after mentorship support by their Imam in the community mosque structures. Kanyere Muhammad and Namutenja,from Nankoma Town Council in Bugiri district, are examples of who demonstrated this.
This is important to check the capability of the youth in taking up leadership spaces and building their capacity at mosque level
Religious leaders were trained on effective methods of mentorship and MCJL developed a mentorship module that was translated in local languages and used by Religious leaders.this made mentorship of the youth easy, and all this was facilitated by JISRA
In January 2022, Kyambogo University apologized for unveiling Muslim girls and now allows students to attend exams in proper manner putting into consideration their FoRB. In addition, Police apologized. AIGP Asan Kasingye via tweeter handle committed to handle the officers on duty
This was important because it strengthened confidence in the students to stand for their rights and have continued practicing their religion, as they confess to the Islamic faith and continued pursuing their education. Before November 2021, at Kyambogo university, Muslim female students were forcefully required to remove veils by police officers deployed to provide security during the examination period. Students had to adhere so they could make their exams. Many left traumatized and the incident was captured on video. When MCJL heard about this story, we were left with no option but to petition the matter to curb similar occurrences.
With support of JISRA, MCJL conducted interview with Muslim female students at Kyambogo university forced to remove their veils. On 3rd of December 2021 a talk show was conducted at Salam TV, where MCJL president discussed FoRB and its limitation using the Kyambogo incident as a case study. To deter further abuse, MCJL filed a lawsuit at the High Court where declaratory orders will be sought to protect dignity and religious beliefs of Muslim Female students in all public academic institutions.
In September 2022, the 2 faction groups of Kibuli supreme and Uganda Muslim supreme council devised means of how to unite their followers and work together to avoid the clashes that happened 2 months ago that led to death of a Muslim. this was evident when the 2 groups came together to celebrate Islam in yumbe district, the 2 khadhis spoke about peace, respect for one another and unity.
This is important to defuse the tension and misconception that existed among Muslims in yumbe who subscribed to these factions. , and create a peaceful co existence environment where everyone enjoys FoRB
JISRA facilitated MCJL team to engage the 2 factions and conduct a mediation that helped to resolve the conflict in yumbe district