(Moroto, 13th September, 2023). Oxfam and partners have launched an ambitious and transformative five-year initiative, the Resilience, Inclusiveness, Sustainability, and Empowerment of Communities in Karamoja (RISE-K) Project, aims to foster sustainable development and empowerment within the Karamoja sub-region. Funded by Irish Aid, this 3 million Euro groundbreaking project is set to make a profound impact on the lives of over 37,000 women, youth and other vulnerable people from the mining and pastoralist communities of Nakapiripirit, Moroto and Amudat Districts.

The official launch of the Project took place on 13th September 2023 at Mt. Moroto Hotel in Moroto District. Officiated by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Moroto District, Mr. Tuko Justin Sam, representing Mr. George William Wopuwa, the RDC of Moroto District, the event was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, Development partners, Irish Aid representative, representatives from partner organisations and community members all coming together to celebrate the beginning of a journey that will contribute to the empowerment efforts in the region.

Mr Tuko called upon local governments and stakeholders to embrace and own-up the project to enable its sustainability. "Let's go to the ground and inform people that this project is theirs. The sustainability of project is important because even when project ends, its interventions have to continue and not go with the partner,'' Mr Tuko noted.

The RISE-K Project represents a collaborative effort between Oxfam as the consortium lead, Resource Rights Africa (RRA), Centre for Budget and Tax Policy (CBTP), National Association of Women in Uganda (NAWOU), Caritas Moroto, and The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organization (TUNADO). These diverse partners have pooled their expertise, resources, and networks to ensure the successful delivery of the project. The project will be working closely with the various District offices, existing local structures, and communities.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Mr. Francis Shanty Odokorach, the Country Director of Oxfam in Uganda, said, “Oxfam has implemented a series of interventions in Karamoja over the years with a focus on Karamoja supporting pastoral programs including women's livelihoods and promoting their socio-economic empowerment and rights. We have also invested in strengthening the capacity of the local partners and actors. Evaluations (available online) from this work found that we made a positive impact amidst the unique context, especially for the women.”

He added that, “In designing this new project, we have critically reflected and learnt from our experience and approach. The project has been designed with careful consideration of the unique challenges faced by this region especially affecting the women and youth, taking into account its cultural heritage and natural resources. It was designed to bring all our programming areas together in what we call the one program approach. We believe that this will contribute to addressing the various drivers of inequality in the region.”

The project will work towards promoting Governance and Accountability for effective service delivery, promoting women rights, enhancing local capacities for effective, people-centered, and inclusive disaster preparedness and response, and Strengthening income and food security.   “We are optimistic of the great impact it will create and call for collaboration from all stakeholders towards this.”  added Francis.                 

For media inquiries, please contact

Dorah Ntunga | Media and Communications Coordinator

Dorah.ntunga@oxfam.org

Notes to Editors

Project Impact Areas

  1. People experiencing poverty and most vulnerable to shocks, conflicts and crises have more sustainable and equitable access to food and livelihoods
  2. People experiencing poverty and most vulnerable to shocks, conflicts and crises are better able to claim and access their rights to well-being, peace, and security.
  3. Institutional systems to prevent and respond to shocks, conflict and crises are more inclusive and better informed by the needs, rights, and vulnerabilities of those furthest behind.
  4. People experiencing poverty, and conflict and most vulnerable to shocks are better served by a nexus approach to Humanitarian Response, peacebuilding, and development.

Target Reach: 37,970 women and youth, and other vulnerable people

Project Duration: 2023 – 2027

Total Budget: 3,058,370 Euros

Geographical coverage:

  1. Nakapiripirit – Moruita, Kakomongole
  2. Moroto – Lotisan, Katikekile
  3. Amudat – Karita, Loroo

About Oxfam in Uganda

Oxfam in Uganda is part of the Oxfam Confederation, a global movement of people fighting to end inequality and injustice. In Uganda, our work is guided by the Country Strategic Framework (2021-2030), organized around four themes: Governance and Accountability, Resilient Livelihoods, Humanitarian preparedness and response and Gender Justice and Women's Rights. All the themes work towards influencing policy and practice, promoting youth and women empowerment, inclusive participation in decision-making at various levels, and capacity strengthening of national and local actors.