Donor Exit Threatens Future of Morobo Women’s Union

(MOROBO COUNTY) – Stakeholders in Morobo County have raised concerns about the sustainability of the Morobo Women’s Union, as donor funded support under the Reconciliation, Stabilisation and Resilience Trust Fund (RSRTF) is set to conclude this November.

The concerns came to the forefront during a graduation ceremony held on Friday 1 August 2025 at the Women’s Union headquarters. The event marked the successful completion of a vocational skills training programme by 20 young mothers, supported under the RSRTF initiative.

While the occasion celebrated progress in empowering women, it also exposed serious concerns about the Union’s ability to operate independently once donor support ends.

Batali Isaac, a representative from the Support for Education, Peace and Development Programme (SPEDP), expressed reservations about the Union’s preparedness for self sufficiency. He noted that despite ongoing efforts by implementing partners, the organisation still lacks the internal structure and leadership needed for sustainability.

“There is a visible gap in leadership and structure that needs urgent attention if the Women’s Union is to thrive without external support,” he stated.

Christine Komoni, a case worker also from SPEDP, shared similar concerns. She stressed that the women in Morobo have shown strong commitment and potential but lack the continued mentorship, equipment and funding needed to maintain momentum.

“These women have great potential, but they need consistent mentorship, tools and funding to continue the journey they’ve started,” Komoni said.

In response to the concerns raised, the Executive Director of Morobo County, Ezbon Gale, assured participants that the local government remains committed to supporting the Women’s Union. He pledged to work closely with relevant partners to strengthen the Union’s structure and equip it for the post-RSRTF phase.

“We are committed to ensuring that this important initiative continues. The local government will stand with the Women’s Union and support efforts to build its capacity,” Gale said.

The RSRTF has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s empowerment across Morobo County. Through various training programmes, the initiative has helped women acquire practical skills aimed at increasing their economic independence and community engagement. With its exit drawing nearer, community leaders are increasingly worried about the potential erosion of these gains.

There are now growing calls for a coordinated plan that brings together government, civil society and private sector actors to fill the gap that will be left by RSRTF’s departure. Stakeholders argue that unless a sustainable model is established, the progress made in women’s empowerment in Morobo may be reversed.

As of August 2025, no alternative funding arrangements have been formally announced. Many fear that without urgent planning and resource mobilisation, the Union could struggle to maintain operations, placing beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable young mothers, at risk of losing crucial support services.

While the RSRTF provided wide ranging assistance, much of the local operational structure has remained dependent on external management. The costs of replicating or maintaining such donor led interventions with local funds remain a significant challenge.