Today marked a big step forward for the Local Empowerment and Development (LEAD) Uganda project! Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and led by Woord en Daad, this initiative aims to uplift refugee and host communities in Uganda through sustainable economic and environmental solutions.

The stakeholders and partners during the Inception event in Kiryandongo District Local Government Headquarter council hall.

A Collaborative Start
In Kiryandongo District, we held our first inception meeting with key stakeholders, including:

  • District Local Government (political and technical teams)
  • Office of the Prime Minister (Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement)
  • Implementing partners: IFRAD and TUNADO
The assistant Kiryandongo District Chairman (Centre-smiling) and Settlement commandant (Right in Black) Kiryandongo OPM engaging in a discussion during the inception meeting.

The meeting focused on introducing the project and securing support from the respective stakeholders for the project’s 3-year plan, facilitating collaboration, and aligning goals with local needs.

How PALM Corps Will Drive Change
As an implementing partner, PALM Corps will strengthen the socio-economic position of refugees and host communities of Kiryandongo and Yumbe District through three core strategies:

1. Boosting Farming Productivity 

  • Block Farm Method: PALM Corps will secure land (via landlords and the Office of the Prime Minister) to establish communal farms. This approach increases production and facilitates peaceful co-existence between refugees and hosts.

2. Connecting Farmers to Markets 

  • Village Agent Model: Farmers will choose enterprises based on profitability, market demand, and environmental suitability. PALM Corps will link them to buyers, ensuring fair prices and sustainable income through its Digital platform – iKnowFarm Mobile App.

3. Restoring Landscapes 

  • Climate Action Awareness: Through community meetings, radio shows, and MSPs, the project will educate communities on how human activities contribute to climate change and degraded landscapes. Practical restoration efforts will follow.

Who Will Benefit?
PALM Corps aims to directly empower the following in Kiryandongo District, ensuring inclusivity:

Looking Ahead
This meeting laid the groundwork for transformative collaboration. Over the next three years, we’re excited to see communities thrive through shared resources, knowledge, and resilience. Together, we’re planting seeds for a brighter future—one harvest, one market link, and one restored landscape at a time.A Special Thanks
To the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Woord en Daad, IFRAD, TUNADO, and all Kiryandongo stakeholders: Your partnership is the backbone of this journey and a key sustainability approach.