The Uganda Girl Guides Association (UGGA) is Uganda's national Girl Guides organization and one of the oldest youth movements in the country. Founded in 1914 and officially registered in 1922, the association has played a pivotal role in the development of young women and girls in Uganda for over a century.[1]
Girl Guiding in Uganda began in 1914, making it one of the earliest Girl Guide movements in Africa. The movement was officially registered by Act of Parliament (The Royal Charter Act) 147 volumes 5 on March 23, 1922, with the ordinances of 23 of 1934 S2 – S41, establishing the organization as "The Uganda Girl Guides Association."[1] The association became a full member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1963, cementing its place in the global Girl Guide movement.[2]
One of the most notable early members was Blandina Karungi, who was among the first girls in Uganda to become a Girl Guide despite being both deaf and blind. Her participation demonstrated the inclusive nature of the movement and its commitment to providing opportunities for all young women regardless of their physical abilities.[3][4][5]
Development and growth
The association experienced significant growth during the colonial period, with the Guide Association (UK) sending trainers to Uganda to help organize camps and training courses. This international support was crucial in establishing standardized programs and training methodologies that aligned with global Girl Guide principles.[3]
In 1956, the World Chief Guide visited Uganda and laid the foundation stone for the headquarters of the Girl Guide and Scout Associations, marking a significant milestone in the organization's development. This visit underscored the international recognition of Uganda's Girl Guide movement and its contribution to youth development in East Africa.[3]
By 2008, the association had grown to serve 112,371 members across Uganda, making it one of the largest youth organizations in the country. The association now operates in all 112 districts of Uganda, demonstrating its nationwide reach and impact on Ugandan society.[1][6]
Programs and impact
The Uganda Girl Guides Association focuses on developing leadership skills, promoting community service, and empowering young women through various programs and activities. The organization emphasizes character development, practical skills training, and civic engagement, preparing girls to become active contributors to their communities and the nation.[7]
The association celebrated its centenary on April 14, 2023, with a grand ceremony held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. This milestone celebration highlighted the organization's century-long commitment to youth development and its enduring impact on Ugandan society.[8]
The association participates in various international initiatives, including the Red Pride week, which is dedicated to supporting girls and young women across the world who are suffering and affected by various challenges. This demonstrates the organization's commitment to global solidarity and its role in addressing contemporary issues affecting young women.[9]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
