On 24^th October 2025, the 3^rd cohort (65 professionals) of the ‘Science of Designing Adaptation and Implementation of Evidence–Based Parenting Interventions’ graduated at a ceremony held at Africana Hotel, Kampala, Uganda. The professionals were advised to be good ambassadors and share the knowledge from the training.

The training is a collaboration between Child Health Development Centre (CHDC) at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) and Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD) through their Parenting Agenda Initiative.

The graduation brings the total of those trained to 130 since cohort 1, and marks a significant milestone in the journey of standardising parenting interventions in Uganda and testament of the nation’s commitment to strengthening families and communities.

In his remarks at the graduation, Dr. Godfrey Siu – Senior Lecturer at CHDC, Programme and Course Lead congratulated the participants for successfully completing the intensive parenting course. He said, ‘I am filled with an immense sense of pride and hope, not just for what we have accomplished during the training but the ripple effect this will have across Uganda’.

Dr. Siu highlighted that the course was not conceived in isolation, but is a vital pillar in the ambitious and crucial efforts by the Government of Uganda (GoU) through MoGLSD with an aim to strengthen and standardise parenting interventions in the country.

‘We extend our appreciation to GoU and MoGLSD in particular for the unwavering commitment and steadfast support. The vision for stronger families is a collective one, and leadership by government is its cornerstone. Let us go and build a future where every child in Uganda can thrive in a nurturing, supportive, and loving family’, Dr. Siu said.

Dr. Siu thanked the various partners who supported the training including the ELMA Foundation, Global Parenting Initiative and Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC); facilitators of the programme, drawn from a diverse spectrum of expertise. He advised the graduands to be champions, as standard-bearers for a new-era of parenting in Uganda.

He also called for support from development partners, donors and GoU in funding the next phase of the critical work noting that investment in parenting is an investment in the health, stability, and prosperity of the nation.

Dr. Herbert Muyinda, Director-CHDC noted the multi-dimensional benefits of the course including standardisation. He said, ‘all researchers dream about their work making impact and influence policy which Dr. Siu has achieved with this training programme’.

The Director-CHDC thanked all partners, MakCHS and CHDC administration for ensuring the success of the training. He commended the participants for the commitment and resilience during the training and expressed hope that they will use the knowledge when they return to their communities and organisations.

Professor Richard Idro, Deputy Principal-MakCHS represented the College administration at the graduation. In his speech he congratulated the participants on the milestone, thanked MoGLSD for entrusting the University with this work and also thanked CHDC for undertaking the programme not only for research but also as a contribution to the nation.

Professor Idro noted that parenting today is so different from what many of us experienced, highlighting that many parents work away from home also spending less time with their children.

He said, ‘teachers and carers spend more time with children therefore standardisation from initiatives like this are welcome’.

Highlighting the new strategy of taking the University to communities and solving societal challenges, Professor Idro commended the CHDC for the work which is well aligned to the aforementioned strategy. He called on the graduands to cascade the initiative learned to the lowest level of local governments for the benefit of the whole population.

He expressed hope that for sustainability, funding of the programme would be included in the government budget cycle to ensure continuity. He thanked the UMSC for the support recognising time that Sheikh Ali Waiswa had spent at the event as a sign of commitment to improved parenting in Uganda.

‘Our children are vulnerable, I hope this training takes us back to the basics of parenting. I encourage everyone to start with their family and share with all those around them’, said Dr. Angela Nakafeero – Commissioner for Women and Gender Affairs who represented the Permanent Secretary-MoGLSD, Mr. Aggrey Kibenge.

She thanked partners, MoGLSD departments, and various government institutions that have contributed to work accomplished to-date. She reiterated the message of the previous speakers to the graduands not to keep what they had learned to themselves but share with others. ‘Don’t keep information acquired, share it, make better parents and raise better families’, she said.

‘The ministry remains committed to the parenting agenda. As a nation we have always stressed the importance of cultural and religious appropriateness; the University is on-board to offer technical knowledge and this partnership will continue to deliver results’, Dr. Nakafeero added.

She invited the Chief Guest, Sheikh Ali Waiswa – Deputy Mufti, UMSC who represented the Mufti to address the congregation.

Sheikh Waiswa reminded those present that holy books including the Quran and Bible prescribed the family as the cornerstone of society giving guidance on how to raise good families.

He warned against the increased violence against children present in our communities. Quoting statistics, he expressed disappointment that children endure acts of violence in places meant to be safe havens like homes and schools with acts committed by people meant to be trusted. ‘Nearly 6 out of 10 girls and 7 out of 10 boys have experienced physical violence, while 35% of girls are affected by sexual violence’, he said.

The Deputy Mufti commended the training course for bridging the gap between research and practice, saying it would revolutionise parenting, strengthen families and in-turn society. ‘Don’t underestimate the power of the work you are doing, as we celebrate, let us remember our blue print is this initiative and training’, he said.

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