By Wendy van Amerongen
Amid the vibrant beats of traditional dances and the warmth of community spirit, the LEAD Uganda programme was officially launched at the Fairway Hotel in Kampala on December 12, 2024. This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative journey to empower refugees and host communities across Uganda. With over UGX 28 billion in funding from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the five-year initiative aims to enhance local capacities, create jobs, and promote meaningful participation in policy advocacy.
Voices of inspiration
From the speeches to the cultural performances, the event radiated optimism and determination. Julius Onen, Country Representative for Woord en Daad, opened the launch with a clear message: “We are here to showcase the role of local organisations. The success of this programme lies in the hands of the people who live and work in these communities every day.”
Jacob Jan Vreugdenhil, Director of Woord en Daad, built on this sentiment, emphasising the heart of the LEAD programme:
“Shift the power isn’t just rhetoric. It’s a deliberate practice of sharing power. Localisation is about building resilient systems, where local organisations lead and communities thrive.”
A range of perspectives
The programme has drawn diverse opinions, enriching the conversation on the refugee response in Uganda. The Commissioner of OPM Uganda raised a vital point, stating: “If localisation is not properly managed, it will become a strain and drain on the Uganda government. Refugees are an international responsibility.”
This reflects the need for balance in empowering local actors while addressing the structural challenges of hosting over 1.5 million refugees.
A representative from UNHCR Uganda shared a different perspective during the keynote address, highlighting the contributions of refugees to Uganda’s economy: “Refugees are not here to take; they are here to build. Together, we are contributing to Uganda’s growth and resilience.”
The event also celebrated Uganda’s globally respected progressive refugee policies, with several speakers noting the alignment of LEAD Uganda with these frameworks.
What LEAD Uganda brings
The LEAD programme will be implemented in six refugee settlements—Kiryandongo, Palabek, Rhino Camp, Bidibidi, Nakivale, and Kyaka II. It focuses on skilling, economic empowerment, and advocacy. Crucially, it centers local organisations as the primary implementers, with 12 local and national partners leading the way.
This approach resonated with a representative from Save the Children International, who said: “I wanted to be here because of what I am preaching every day about localisation. It is happening in the LEAD programme. I have already seen it in the co-creation workshop.”
A bright future
The launch was a celebration of collaboration, but also a call to action. As Jacob Jan concluded in his speech, “We must step forward, together, to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
The LEAD Uganda launch was the beginning of a movement for sustainable development, driven by local leadership and powered by the dreams and resilience of refugees and host communities.
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For more details about the LEAD Uganda programme, visit Nile Post’s coverage.
