In 2016, Brenda Kugonza, Helen Kezie Nwoha, and Pamela Agwech) shared ideas about how to create a network for women defenders for better response to WHRDs at risk. We joined together by holding press conference to commemorate the 29 November 2016 (Day of women human rights defenders) at ISIS-WICCE Offices.

Inspired by the experiences and stories of women defenders who continue to stand against the discriminating social, cultural, and religious stereotypes, which expose them to a number of risks in the course of their human rights activities, several of us connected and supported the creation of the network. Thus the WHRDN-U, was founded in 2017 by over 52 women defenders (organizations individuals) directly engaged in women’s rights, oil and extractives, land rights, environmental justice, youth rights, gender based violence, disability rights, media, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights all over Uganda. Connected by their commitment and passion to human rights, many shared there long lived struggles, challenges and risk emanating from 11 sub regions of Uganda which included; Acholi, Albertine, Lango , Karamoja, Busoga, Teso, Ankole, Central Buganda, WestNile , Bugisu and Rwenzori sub regions.

We seek to strengthen the protection for WHRDs in Uganda by promoting a feminist holistic approach, integrating a gender perspective, focusing on building supportive networks and coordination among WHRDs from diverse social movements and causes in Uganda. Solidarity and collective action from a feminist holistic Protection approach is at the heart of what we do at national, rural/regional levels in Uganda.