Refugees: Innovation, Self-reliance & Empowerment project

Nakivale Refugee Settlement, is home to some 120,000 refugees from over 7 countries. In 2019, we launched the R.I.S.E (Refugees: Innovation, Self-reliance & Empowerment) project to help refugees access financial services and move from a place of dependency to one of self-reliance.

The project aims to support 59,000 refugee households across three refugee settlements (Nakivale, Kiryandongo and Rwamwanja). Financial services such as business loans, digital cash transfers and savings are key components of the project. Female refugees are especially vulnerable and our interventions aim to make a special effort to build their resilience, boost their confidence and increase their economic participation.

Financial Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in Uganda

Mbale is one of several locations where, with the generous support of the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), we are working with a number of local partners to facilitate financial inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWD).

Over a 3-year period (2019-2022) the project aims to improve the livelihoods and resilience of 3,700 persons with disabilities, their care-givers and family members. Over the project period it is hoped that 3,700 people will access secure savings via 370 savings groups, and around 1,850 loans (average loan size £120) will be disbursed for business activities.

Supporting Coffee Farmers

Mityana hosts one of the 22 groups of coffee farmers supported through Opportunity’s Loan Guarantee Fund. The specific purpose of the fund is to provide groups of coffee farmers to access credit. This will enable them to purchase coffee from farmers avoiding side-selling and middle men who undercut and offer low process to farmers.

Empowering Rural Youth

Over the course of two years, with possible Covid-related extensions (start date January 2020 – April 2022) we will work with local partners to develop and test innovative savings and credits products, financial literacy and agricultural training as well as entrepreneurship training specifically targeted at young people.

Up to 6,000 young people (average age 24) in rural Uganda will benefit from this pilot. They will be provided with access to formal financial services, specifically tailored for poor rural youth, including match savings and digital technology. They will also benefit from wide ranging training and skills development, including on entrepreneurship and financial management and improved farming methods.