Entebbe, Uganda – The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) through the Olympic Solidarity together with Swans Rugby club officially launched the first day of the G.I.R.L.S against gender-based violence through sport engagement meeting in Entebbe at Innophine Hotel. The three-day workshop brings together community leaders, religious figures, educators, and sports mentors to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and explore solutions through sport.

Joseph Oluka, Assistant Administrator Technical at the Uganda Olympic Committee, emphasized the critical importance of this initiative. “We aim to reach 10,000 girls and boys in Wakiso district, using sport as a tool to raise awareness and fight gender-based violence. The initiative is personal for us our very own Rebecca Cheptegei lost her life to GBV, reminding us that this is a challenge that affects women, men, and boys alike.”

The workshop targets both boys and girls, equipping community leaders with knowledge and practical strategies to combat GBV in homes, schools, and communities.
Joyce Nalubega, Principal Education Officer for Entebbe Municipality, highlighted the role of education and sport in creating safer environments for young people. “We are excited to have the Swan Sports Club implementing girls’ rugby in Entebbe under the Rugby Association of Uganda. This three-day training involves coaches, mentors, teachers, and leaders from across the community. Our focus is to fight gender-based violence while promoting sports participation at all levels. It is critical that students feel safe and protected while they grow and thrive academically and in their talents.”

Jonathan Wamala, Dean of Students at Entebbe Parents’ Senior Secondary School, praised the inclusion of educators in the program. “Teachers spend a significant portion of the day with students, so training them to address gender-based violence through sports is crucial. By empowering teachers, we empower the nation, as they can transfer knowledge and mentoring to the learners they interact with every day.”

Martin Mwangushe, Vice President at SWAN Sports Club, reflected on the value of combining sport and social awareness. “This workshop brings together community leaders, faith-based leaders, and school heads to understand GBV better. When these leaders return to their communities, they can safeguard children and collectively fight this vice. Sports, particularly rugby for girls, provides an ideal platform to engage young people in learning about their rights and building resilience.”

The first day of the engagement meeting involved interactive sessions where leaders discussed the causes, effects, and solutions to gender-based violence. Emphasis was placed on the role of schools, community leaders, and sports clubs in fostering safer spaces for children.
The workshop concludes with the expectation that participants will return to their communities equipped with knowledge, strategies, and motivation to tackle GBV. The Uganda Olympic Committee and its partners believe that empowering leaders will create a ripple effect, ultimately protecting more children and fostering environments where students can excel academically and socially.

Joseph Oluka expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort: “We are grateful to Olympic Solidarity for funding this initiative and to SWAN Sports Club for hosting. This is a turning point in our efforts to reach and impact many lives across the district.”
As the three-day engagement continues, participants will further explore practical interventions, mentorship programs, and sports activities that empower young girls and boys while challenging the norms that perpetuate gender-based violence.