Recognizing the People Behind Positive Change
On 21 April 2026, the Acholi Inn Hotel in Gulu was filled with celebration, inspiration, and a shared commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion. The National Champions Advancing Inclusion Awards brought together community leaders, civil society organizations, policymakers, cultural representatives, and advocates from across Northern Uganda to recognize individuals who are creating positive change in their communities.
Organized through the collaboration between Jeremiah Lucas Opira Foundation Uganda and Northhood Production Initiative, the gala served as a powerful reminder that meaningful social transformation often begins with ordinary people choosing to lead by example.
The celebration brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from Jeremiah Lucas Opira Foundation Uganda, Northhood Production Initiative, civil society organizations, youth groups, media houses, cultural institutions, and gender equality advocates. Community leaders and invited guests from Northern Uganda and beyond joined Members of Parliament and development actors in a shared commitment to advancing inclusion and strengthening communities.
Among the distinguished guests were Hon. Gilbert Olanya, Member of Parliament for Kilak South, and Hon. Okoya John Calvin, Member of Parliament Elect for Chua East, who attended as Chief Guest. The event attracted an estimated 150 to 300 participants, including nominees, organizers, performers, media teams, and invited dignitaries, creating an atmosphere marked by hope, encouragement, and a collective belief that everyone has a role to play in advancing inclusion.
At the heart of the gala was the recognition of ten outstanding men whose actions have contributed to promoting gender equality, inclusion, human rights, and community empowerment. Selected through a nomination and assessment process from a pool of 24 nominees, these champions represented different backgrounds and experiences but shared a common commitment to making their communities safer, fairer, and more inclusive.
Recognition was at the heart of the awards ceremony. Each winner received a commemorative trophy and a certificate honoring their contributions to advancing gender equality, inclusion, human rights, and community empowerment. Beyond the awards themselves, the gala provided a national platform to celebrate individuals whose actions are creating positive change and inspiring others to follow their example.
The gala also provided a platform for reflection and dialogue on the importance of building more inclusive communities. During her welcome remarks, Margreth Achiro, Executive Director of Northhood Production Initiative, spoke about inclusion, gender equality, and the importance of promoting positive masculinity.
Catherine Laker, Executive Director of Jeremiah Lucas Opira Foundation Uganda, emphasized the values of dignity, fairness, and equal opportunities for all. Dr. Ocan Emmanuel Oloya, the project’s Technical Director, highlighted the importance of recognizing community role models and celebrating those who inspire positive change through their actions.
Serving as Chief Guest, Hon. Okoya John Calvin, Member of Parliament Elect for Chua East, commended the transparency of the nomination process and encouraged continued efforts to strengthen inclusion and gender equality. Hon. Gilbert Olanya, Member of Parliament for Kilak South, also shared remarks following his recognition during the ceremony.
The celebration was not limited to speeches and awards. Traditional Acholi dance performances brought energy and cultural richness to the event, reminding attendees of the important role that culture can play in strengthening community bonds and promoting positive social values.
Moments of celebration unfolded throughout the day as award recipients took to the stage, photographs captured proud achievements, and participants shared stories of resilience, leadership, and hope. These moments reflected a broader message: that change is possible when communities work together.
The National Champions Advancing Inclusion Awards were more than a ceremony. They represented an investment in people who are challenging harmful norms, advocating for equality, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
As the event came to a close, one thing became clear: advancing inclusion is not the responsibility of a few individuals or organizations. It is a collective effort that requires courage, collaboration, and the willingness to lead by example.
Jeremiah Lucas Opira Foundation Uganda and Northhood Production Initiative extend their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the event a success, from organizers and partners to performers, nominees, winners, and guests.
Together, we continue building communities where dignity is upheld, voices are heard, and everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.