In the rolling hills of Kyegegwa district, western Uganda, a beacon of hope is rising. It promises to feed families, heal the land and plant seeds of resilience.
A four-year project, launched under the Uganda Refugee Resilience Initiative (URRI), is setting out to reshape Kyegegwa, a refugee-hosting district.
The initiative worth sh142b, is funded by Denmark, in partnership with their Ugandan counterparts.
Although the initiative is targeting over 50,000 smallholder farmers, mainly women, it is anticipated to benefit an estimated 250,000 individuals among the refugee and host communities around refugee settlements in western and northern Uganda; including Yumbe, Moyo, Koboko and Adjumani districts.
Its mission is to foster self-reliance, as well as empower communities for environmentally sustainable growth.
Uganda’s unique model
At the project’s launch in Kyegegwa towards the end of April, Danish ambassador to Uganda Signe Winding Albjerg, lauded Uganda’s globally acclaimed refugee policy, describing it as progressive, inclusive and rooted in dignity and self-reliance.
The ambassador emphasised the urgency of supporting Uganda’s unique model to ensure lasting resilience and opportunities for all as refugee numbers soar.
“Uganda has shown the world that with the right support, refugees can thrive alongside host communities. Now is the time to reinforce that vision with action,” she stated.
The URRI initiative, Albjerg added, aims at prioritising climate-smart agriculture, green livelihoods and restoration of the environment.
“The project’s pillars include training in sustainable farming techniques, supporting reforestation efforts and introducing energy-efficient technologies that reduce dependence on natural forests,” she added.
The project targets to benefi t 65% of the hosts and 35% of refugees, according to Alex Twongeirwe, the assistant commandant of Kyaka II settlement.
He welcomed the initiative, saying Kyaka has 134,000 refugees putting pressure on the environment and so it is important to take decisive action to prevent destruction. The initiative will amplify the efforts that the community have already started to boost their livelihoods and protect the environment.
“We have established local activism for resilience of climate by introducing climate-smart agriculture, as well as making briquettes and energy saving stoves,” explains Patrick Muzinduki, the assistant director at Kabarole Research Centre, Uganda, the implementing partner.
Local women’s groups have established kitchen gardens using permaculture techniques. Members of youth co-operatives have already been trained in agroforestry and briquette production.
Joint community projects are helping restore wetlands, protect water sources and grow tree nurseries, adds Muzinduki.
The women and youths sell the products/produce to earn a living and are also discouraged from deforestation and environmental degradation.
Local leaders hail initiative
The project has come at the right time when the settlement is in crisis, according to Twongeirwe.
He attributed the crisis to a strain in funding, which, therefore, calls on other development partners to lend a helping hand.
“Uganda’s refugee response heavily relies on international aid, but financial commitments have fallen short, leading to a short fall in food. This has forced us to slash monthly food rations to the Kyaka II settlement,” Twongereire says.
The initiative is aligned with Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDPIII), according to Denis Otiti, the assistant field officer at UNHCR Kyaka II settlement.
This is especially so based on its focus on climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and social cohesion.
“The communities are facing daunting challenges of degraded landscapes, shrinking natural resources, economic insecurity and climate change. With URRI, we are witnessing a new strategic approach; one that puts people, planet and partnership at the centre of resilience and transformation,” Otiti adds.
Kyegegwa is emerging as a hub for innovative and inclusive development, says Col. Bright Alex Nzirimu, the resident district commissioner.
The URRI project, he explained, is a beacon of hope, proving that when communities are empowered, natural resource management becomes more than a policy. It becomes a livelihood, a legacy and a lifeline.
Benefiting families
Winfred Nannungi, dealer in silver fish ‘mukene’ I used to practice agriculture in a wetland until I was evicted. I also had a five-acre piece of land, which was cut by half due to the influx of refugees to the settlement.
To make ends meet, I started a silver fish business, but I was struggling since I didn’t have security to acquire a loan in the bank. I got a loan from URRI and now add value to silver fish, earning at least sh600,000 per month.
Doreen Mbabu, trader in energy-saving stoves With the help of Kabarole Research Centre Uganda, I got a loan of sh500,000 and started making energy-saving stoves. These use half the firewood that open fireplaces do.
I sell each stove at sh16,000-sh25,000 to fellow refugees. On average, I earn sh500,000 per month during the wet season and sh400,000 in the dry season.
I also make briquettes that are a sustainable alternative to wood fuel or charcoal.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Mbabu explaining how energy-saving stoves work to Albjerg (left). Photo by Doreen Nasiima
