Transforming Care through Community-led Drama and Action in Unyama, Gulu City
In Unyama Sub-County, Gulu City, a passionate group of 30 community members led by Jackline Akera has turned knowledge into action. With support from UWONET and Oxfam under the WE-Care Programme, and mentorship from Mission Uganda, this local drama group and community caucus are proving that real change begins at the grassroots.
After learning about unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) and the 4Rs framework—Recognition, Reduction, Redistribution, and Representation, the group began applying their new skills to spark transformation.
They not only raised awareness but also inspected local schools and health centres, uncovering urgent care-related challenges, including a maternity ward without a stove, and shared male-female wards that lacked privacy.
“They built an energy-saving cooking stove to improve hygiene for new mothers and mobilised community funds to buy curtains for Angayi Health Centre III, finally separating male and female wards, restoring dignity and improving care outcomes for patients.”
They built an energy-saving cooking stove to improve hygiene for new mothers and mobilised community funds to buy curtains for Angayi Health Centre III, finally separating male and female wards, restoring dignity and improving care outcomes for patients.
Their commitment didn’t end there. They engaged in community mediation at the local police station, promoting peace and reducing household tension, an often-overlooked contributor to women’s unpaid care burden.
“But it was through drama that they made the greatest impact. Using storytelling and local comedy, their performances brought care issues to life, challenging harmful norms and encouraging shared responsibility between men and women.”
Their efforts were recognised with a UGX 200,000 grant to support participation in the Day of the African Child celebrations last year. This support amplified their message and boosted their visibility.
Today, this community group is not just performing, they are transforming. Their work is a living example of what happens when knowledge meets creativity and local leadership. It’s a model that can be replicated, scaled, and most importantly, celebrated.
UWONET and Oxfam, through the WE-Care Programme, partnered with Mission Uganda to build capacity and catalyse grassroots advocacy on care issues using the 4Rs framework—Recognition, Reduction, Redistribution, and Representation.