Ntungamo: The Real Fathers Project, an initiative aimed at promoting responsible fatherhood and reducing domestic violence among young families, has been extended to Nyamunuka Town Council in Ntungamo District.
According to Edward Byaruhanga, the District Project Officer working with the Western Ankole Civil Society Forum, the project targets young fathers aged between 18 and 25 years who married early and have children below the age of three. The initiative is currently being implemented across six districts in the Ankole sub-region, including Bushenyi, Sheema, Mitooma, Buhweju, Ntungamo, and Rwampara.
Byaruhanga noted that the main objective of the project is to reduce domestic violence in young families by equipping fathers with essential parenting and relationship skills. This is being achieved through mentorship programs where young fathers are guided on marriage, parenting, and building strong emotional bonds with their children through a model known as “Play, Learn, Play.”
On March 17, project officials met with Nyamunuka Town Council authorities at the council headquarters in Ntungamo district to officially introduce the initiative and seek local government support. Byaruhanga emphasized the importance of working closely with local leaders to identify and reach the intended beneficiaries, adding that the project is now being extended further to sub-county levels to increase its impact.
Speaking during the meeting, the Nyamunuka Town Council Community Development Officer (CDO), Emily Kiconco, urged young fathers to work closely with their spouses to improve household welfare. She emphasized that cooperation between partners is key to eliminating domestic violence and reducing poverty at the family level.
Meanwhile, the Town Council Speaker, who also serves as the Mayor-elect, Katafa Yassin Byamukama, welcomed the initiative and called for its effective implementation in the area. He encouraged project leaders to work hand in hand with local authorities to ensure the program reaches the intended beneficiaries. He also advised young fathers to embrace the guidance provided through the project to build stable families and secure a better future for their children.
The Real Fathers Project is currently being implemented in six sub-regions across Uganda, covering a total of 54 districts, as part of a broader effort to strengthen families and promote positive parenting practices nationwide.
