First Quarter 2026

The first quarter of 2026 has been a period of strategic engagement, community partnerships, and gradual resumption of our skills development programs at Margaret & Emma Organization. Despite ongoing funding constraints, we have continued to advance our mission of empowering women, youth, and vulnerable families through advocacy, partnerships, and community-based training initiatives across the Kigezi sub-region.

Our focus during this quarter has been on civic engagement, strengthening partnerships, and reviving skills training programs that directly impact the livelihoods of women and families in our communities.

1. Tailoring Training Resumes

In February 2026, the organization resumed tailoring training classes at our headquarters in Kabale after a temporary pause due to funding limitations.

The tailoring program continues to target young mothers, vulnerable women, and out-of-school young adults seeking vocational skills.

Participants learn practical tailoring skills that enable them to start small home-based businesses and generate sustainable income for their families.

2. Promoting Civic Responsibility and Peaceful Participation

In January 2026, the Executive Director, Natukunda Fortunate, actively participated in several radio talk shows aimed at promoting peaceful civic engagement during and after the election period.

These discussions focused on:

• The importance of peaceful elections

• The role and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society

• Encouraging positive engagement among youth during the post-election period

The radio engagements reached a wide audience and contributed to ongoing national conversations around peace, unity, and responsible citizenship, particularly among young people.

3. International Women’s Day Engagement

In March, the Executive Director served as a panelist in an X (Twitter) Space discussion organized by the Women Cluster Head under NCHRD-U to commemorate International Women’s Day.

The discussion was held under the theme:

“From Rights to Reality: What Women and Girls in Uganda Actually Need.”

The conversation explored the gap between policy commitments and the lived realities of women and girls in Uganda, emphasizing the need for:

●        Economic empowerment

●        Skills development opportunities

●        Access to education

●        Stronger community support systems for women and girls

Through this engagement, Margaret & Emma Organization contributed its voice to the national dialogue on advancing women’s rights and opportunities.

4. Education Support Partnership

This quarter, Margaret & Emma Organization strengthened its partnership with Fr. Justus Kabale Education Foundation to support vulnerable children.

Under this partnership, our organization plays an important role in:

• Identifying vulnerable and needy children within communities

• Profiling and documenting their backgrounds

• Submitting their information for scholarship consideration.

Once beneficiaries are selected, we work closely with the foundation and families to ensure that children successfully enroll in school and receive the support they need to remain in school

This collaboration is helping expand access to education for children who might otherwise be unable to attend school.

5. Support for Mothers of Children with Special Needs

Our partnership with St. Maria Therese Rushoroza continues to support mothers of children with special needs.

This program focuses on psychosocial support for students, and Livelihood opportunities for caregivers

The next phase of the program will introduce hairdressing training for the mothers, enabling them to gain practical skills and earn income while caring for their children.

Hairdressing training will begin once we secure funding to expand our training center.

6. Strengthening Women’s Groups

In 2026, the organization has resumed engagement with the Rwenshama Women’s Group, with plans to provide training in tailoring, catering, and improved craft production techniques.

These skills will support women in expanding their income-generating activities and improving the quality and marketability of their products.

7. Upcoming Community Trainings

Preparations are underway to conduct baking training for the St. Leticia Women’s Development Group in Kihihi. The training will equip participants with practical baking skills that can lead to small-scale food enterprises within their communities.

LOOKING AHEAD

While financial constraints continue to limit the scale of our activities, the first quarter of 2026 demonstrates the organization’s commitment to maintaining community engagement, strengthening partnerships, and gradually restoring key livelihood programs.

In the coming months, we aim to:

• Expand vocational training programs

• Establish the hairdressing training center for mothers of special needs children

• Strengthen partnerships that support education and women’s economic empowerment

• Continue advocating for women, youth, and vulnerable families

Margaret & Emma Organization remains committed to empowering women and strengthening communities across the Kigezi region. Through partnerships, advocacy, and skills development programs, we continue to work toward creating sustainable opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable families.

• Natukunda Fortunate, Co-Founder & Executive Director