For over 24 years, CEFORD has been at the forefront of community development in Uganda, supporting vulnerable populations, refugees, and host communities to improve livelihoods, strengthen governance, and promote social cohesion. This extensive experience has allowed us to learn, adapt, and scale interventions that make a real and sustainable impact in the communities we serve. Uganda continues to face complex humanitarian and development challenges, including high levels of poverty, climate-related shocks, refugee influxes, and gaps in access to essential services such as health, education, and clean water. The country hosts over 1.5 million refugees, primarily from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating urgent needs in host communities and refugee settlements alike. At the same time, development efforts in Uganda are expanding, with increasing focus on community-led initiatives, youth and women’s empowerment, and sustainable livelihood programs. Humanitarian and development actors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners, are working together to respond to immediate needs while building long-term resilience. In this broader landscape, CEFORD plays a critical role by combining humanitarian response with development interventions, supporting communities to address urgent needs, strengthen capacities, and create sustainable opportunities for growth and well-being. We are pleased to share the CEFORD Strategic Plan 2024–2028, which builds on the lessons, achievements, and challenges of our previous strategic period and provides a clear roadmap for the next four years. The Strategic Plan is derived from the evaluation report of the 2019–2023 Strategic Plan, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. It also draws on other evaluations and assessment reports to ensure that our strategies are evidence-based and responsive to current community needs. The plan is aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP) III, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Uganda Refugee Response Plan 2023–2025, triple Nexus of Humanitarian, Development, and Peaceful Co-existence reflecting CEFORD’s commitment to integrating humanitarian response with long-term development initiatives and promoting social cohesion in the communities we serve. This plan outlines our priorities, goals, and strategies for the next four years, serving as a guide for action and a framework for partnership with stakeholders who share our vision of sustainable community empowerment. Download this resource via link below Abridged CEFORD Strategic Plan 2024-2028
CEFORD Annual Report 2024
In 2024, CEFORD achieved tangible results in improving the livelihoods of both refugees and host communities, expanding access to quality education, and strengthening community governance and protection systems. Through strategic collaborations with key stakeholders, we delivered impactful outcomes from increasing youth employment through vocational training and innovation, to implementing economic empowerment initiatives that have transformed the lives of families across 15 districts in Uganda. This Annual Report presents our mission, highlights our impact, outlines where we work, and provides an overview of our financial performance. It also features inspiring personal stories from our program participants and communities, illustrating the human impact of our interventions and the commitment of our team, partners, and supporters. Read the full Report CEFORD 2024 Annual Report
Meet Lenia Mildred : A woman who refused to be defined by disability
In Obolokofuku West Cell, Tanganika Ward, Central Division of Arua City, lives a woman whose story echoes resilience, transformation, and hope. Lenia Mildred, a 43-year-old woman with a visual impairment, was once underestimated and marginalized. Today, she is a respected entrepreneur, trainer, and mother of six, running five diverse businesses and raising her household through savings in VSLA, skills and self-belief. “I used to fear speaking in public,” Lenia recalls. “People looked at me and only saw my disability. I was treated as someone useless. But now, I speak confidently before many people. That fear is gone.” Lenia’s journey began when she joined the Future Foundation Y/VSLA Group supported by CEFORD & CARE international in Uganda with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). The Project gave her access to training in business and soft skills. In 2022, Lenia through her group saved diligently and received a share-out of 804,000 UGX. Guided by training and mentorship, she invested 450,000 UGX in a weaving machine purchased from Kampala, 354,000 UGX in a grocery business at her home near Jiako Primary School. “When the weaving machine arrived, a neighbor brought her daughter to learn,” she said proudly. “I trained her for 400,000 UGX. That was the beginning of my journey as a trainer.” Lenia’s reputation as a skilled weaver grew. She secured a contract with Bright View Nursery and Primary School to supply school pullovers, a partnership that remains active to this day. “I never imagined I would become a TOT (Trainer of Trainers) in weaving. Despite having one eye, I can do it all. I’ve now trained three women, and they’re resilient in their own homes.”. By 2023, her savings share-out had grown to 1,300,000 UGX. With additional profits from pullover sales, she started a Mobile Money business in Rippons Jiako Trading Centre investing a total of 2,100,000 UGX. She registered the business under her name and became an official MTN agent . “The Business Skills Training helped me think differently,” Lenia shared. “Using the five-finger entrepreneurial questions, I saw a gap in mobile money services in my area and I filled it.”. Today, her mobile money venture offers airtime, deposits, withdrawals, and float making digital finance more accessible in her community. In 2024, Lenia’s savings reached 1,720,000 UGX. She used this to invest in poultry and rabbit rearing. Today she keeps 204 broiler chickens (sold at 17,000–18,000 UGX each), 22 Indian local breed chickens (sold at 60,000–70,000 UGX each) and 60 rabbits (sold at 18,000–20,000 UGX per pair). “The Soft Skills training helped me build business friendships. I now order chicks from Kampala City and sell them at a profit,” she said. “It taught me communication, networking, and goal setting. I’m not just saving money; I’m building a future.” Lenia’s financial independence has also reshaped her household dynamics.“ I now share responsibilities with my husband,” she explained. “We have six children, five boys and one girl. He pays school fees for three, and I pay for the other three and I also support an orphan in the community.” She credits her journey to the knowledge, mentorship, and belief instilled through the project. Thank you for believing in people like me,” she said, with emotion in her voice. “Disability does not mean inability. I’ve found my voice, my power, and my place in this world. My advice is simple,” she says. “Start small. Save something. Learn every day. And never let your challenges define you. If I can do it, so can you.” Lenia’s story is more than a personal triumph it is a powerful window into what becomes possible when marginalized women, girls, and youth are equipped with the right tools and support. Across Central Division in Arua City and Omugo Subcounty in Terego District, 85 individuals (69 women and 16 men) have so far been trained in business skills, soft skills, financial literacy, gender equality, and leadership. As a result, women and youth are launching businesses, joining savings groups, and actively influencing decisions in their households and communities. This transformation is being made possible through the Gender Equality and Resilience (GEAR) Project, implemented by CEFORD in partnership with CARE International in Uganda, with funding from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) through CARE Austria. The five-year initiative (April 2024 – March 2029) seeks to empower women and youth especially those aged 15 to 35 to lead self-reliant, resilient lives in inclusive and supportive environments. In Uganda, the project serves both host and refugee communities, sparking sustainable change in areas like Omugo Zone, part of the extended Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. Women like Lenia are not just beneficiaries they are changemakers who are rewriting their stories and helping reshape their communities for the better.
MEAL Assistant – 01 Position
Job Summary: MEAL Assistant is to adopt and implement Project MEAL System to promote evidence-based decision-making, project performance, and internal management. Contribute to quality programming through supporting access to and use of relevant and timely information on project scale, relevance, and effectiveness. Job Title: MEAL Assistant – 01 Position Duty Station: Yumbe Reports to: MEAL Officer Contract period: Fixed-term – (12 months, renewable) About us CEFORD is a not-for-profit Non-Governmental Organization registered in June 2000 as a Limited Liability (by Guarantee) organization with registration number M/A/NB2000/11/2710 and incorporation number 8001000460788 under the laws of Uganda regulating NGO operations. CEFORD is a registered member of the Uganda National NGO Forum since February 2002. CEFORD currently operates in parts of the Districts of West Nile: Adjumani, Arua, Terego, Madi Okollo, Moyo, Nebbi, Yumbe, Koboko, Maracha, Obongi and Zombo and part of Rwenzori Region (Kasese and Masaka Districts) and has extended its services to Kiryandongo. The Thematic areas are Education, Livelihood, Community Development, Humanitarian Action, Community Health, Protection and Organizational Development. CEFORD’s Vision is ‘An Empowered Poverty Free Society’; and its Mission is “To provide capacity development services that builds the resilience of disadvantaged women, men, youth, children and their groups/organizations to realize their rights and improve their wellbeing”. CEFORD is guided by the Corporate Values of Mutual Respect; Transparency and Accountability; Equity and Participatory Approach. CEFORD in partnership with HERS-EPER is implementing the “Community resilience strengthening Project through Improved Livelihoods, conflict transformation and Climate Adaptation in Yumbe and Obongi districts”, The project aims at enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly South Sudanese refugees and host communities, in West Nile, Uganda, with a target of 1,500 direct beneficiaries (60% refugees and 40% host community members). The initiative seeks to address the pressing challenges of resource competition, food insecurity, and climate change impacts exacerbated by the prolonged presence of refugees. In order to realize the project goal and objectives, CEFORD therefore invites application from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following Position; Key Duties and Responsibilities: Qualifications and Other requirements How to Apply: Application letters, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and photocopies of relevant academic documents such as transcripts, certificates, and testimonials, along with the contact details (including email addresses and daytime telephone numbers) of three referees – two of whom must be your former supervisors – should be addressed to: The Executive Director – CEFORD P.O. Box 303 Arua. Hard copy applications can be delivered to CEFORD Offices in Arua, Yumbe, Paidha, Moyo and Adjumani. Electronic application having all the required documents combined as one pdf file (only for Livelihood Coordinator, Project Officer and MEAL Assistant Positions) should be emailed with the subject clearly marked “Position Applied-Name of Applicant” to recruitment@ceford.or.ug. All applications should reach the above address not later than Thursday 10th July 2025 by 4:00PM. Late submission of applications and those not in one pdf file will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. NOTE: Women and persons with disability are encouraged to apply.
Community Based Facilitators – 06 Positions
Job summary: The Community Based Facilitators (CBFs) is responsible for delivering direct support and guidance to farmers in refugee and host communities, focusing on the promotion of climate-smart and regenerative agriculture. The CBF plays a vital role in building sustainable livelihoods, enhancing community resilience, Conflict Transformation and fostering inclusive community participation in agricultural and environmental activities CEFORD is a not-for-profit Non-Governmental Organization registered in June 2000 as a Limited Liability (by Guarantee) organization with registration number M/A/NB2000/11/2710 and incorporation number 8001000460788 under the laws of Uganda regulating NGO operations. CEFORD is a registered member of the Uganda National NGO Forum since February 2002. CEFORD currently operates in parts of the Districts of West Nile: Adjumani, Arua, Terego, Madi Okollo, Moyo, Nebbi, Yumbe, Koboko, Maracha, Obongi and Zombo and part of Rwenzori Region (Kasese and Masaka Districts) and has extended its services to Kiryandongo. The Thematic areas are Education, Livelihood, Community Development, Humanitarian Action, Community Health, Protection and Organizational Development. CEFORD’s Vision is ‘An Empowered Poverty Free Society’; and its Mission is “To provide capacity development services that builds the resilience of disadvantaged women, men, youth, children and their groups/organizations to realize their rights and improve their wellbeing”. CEFORD is guided by the Corporate Values of Mutual Respect; Transparency and Accountability; Equity and Participatory Approach. CEFORD in partnership with HERS-EPER is implementing the “Community resilience strengthening Project through Improved Livelihoods, conflict transformation and Climate Adaptation in Yumbe and Obongi districts”, The project aims at enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly South Sudanese refugees and host communities, in West Nile, Uganda, with a target of 1,500 direct beneficiaries (60% refugees and 40% host community members). The initiative seeks to address the pressing challenges of resource competition, food insecurity, and climate change impacts exacerbated by the prolonged presence of refugees. In order to realize the project goal and objectives, CEFORD therefore invites application from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following Position; Job Title: Community Based Facilitators – 06 Positions Duty Station: Yumbe (03) and Obongi (03) Reports to: Livelihood Officer Contract period: Fixed-term – (12 months, renewable) Key Responsibilities Qualifications and Skills How to Apply: Application letters, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and photocopies of relevant academic documents such as transcripts, certificates, and testimonials, along with the contact details (including email addresses and daytime telephone numbers) of three referees – two of whom must be your former supervisors – should be addressed to: The Executive Director – CEFORD P.O. Box 303 Arua. Hard copy applications can be delivered to CEFORD Offices in Arua, Yumbe, Paidha, Moyo and Adjumani. Electronic application having all the required documents combined as one pdf file (only for Livelihood Coordinator, Project Officer and MEAL Assistant Positions) should be emailed with the subject clearly marked “Position Applied-Name of Applicant” torecruitment@ceford.or.ug. All applications should reach the above address not later than Thursday 10th July 2025 by 4:00PM. Late submission of applications and those not in one pdf file will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications for Community Based Facilitator Position should strictly be submitted as hard copy in the above mentioned CEFORD offices. NOTE: Women and persons with disability are encouraged to apply.
Project Officer – Livelihood – 02 Positions
Job summary: The Project Officer – Livelihood will lead the field implementation of activities, focusing on building community resilience through climate-smart agricultural practices, market access, Conflict transformation and livelihood enhancement for refugees and host communities. This role involves working with farmer groups, facilitating access to resources, and enhancing community capacity to adopt sustainable agricultural and economic practices. About us CEFORD is a not-for-profit Non-Governmental Organization registered in June 2000 as a Limited Liability (by Guarantee) organization with registration number M/A/NB2000/11/2710 and incorporation number 8001000460788 under the laws of Uganda regulating NGO operations. CEFORD is a registered member of the Uganda National NGO Forum since February 2002. CEFORD currently operates in parts of the Districts of West Nile: Adjumani, Arua, Terego, Madi Okollo, Moyo, Nebbi, Yumbe, Koboko, Maracha, Obongi and Zombo and part of Rwenzori Region (Kasese and Masaka Districts) and has extended its services to Kiryandongo. The Thematic areas are Education, Livelihood, Community Development, Humanitarian Action, Community Health, Protection and Organizational Development. CEFORD’s Vision is ‘An Empowered Poverty Free Society’; and its Mission is “To provide capacity development services that builds the resilience of disadvantaged women, men, youth, children and their groups/organizations to realize their rights and improve their wellbeing”. CEFORD is guided by the Corporate Values of Mutual Respect; Transparency and Accountability; Equity and Participatory Approach. CEFORD in partnership with HERS-EPER is implementing the “Community resilience strengthening Project through Improved Livelihoods, conflict transformation and Climate Adaptation in Yumbe and Obongi districts”, The project aims at enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly South Sudanese refugees and host communities, in West Nile, Uganda, with a target of 1,500 direct beneficiaries (60% refugees and 40% host community members). The initiative seeks to address the pressing challenges of resource competition, food insecurity, and climate change impacts exacerbated by the prolonged presence of refugees. In order to realize the project goal and objectives, CEFORD therefore invites application from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following Position; Job Title: Project Officer – Livelihood – 02 Positions Duty Station: Yumbe (01) and Obongi (01) Reports to: Livelihood Coordinator Contract period: Fixed-term – (12 months, renewable) Key Responsibilities Qualifications, Skills and Experience How to Apply: Application letters, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and photocopies of relevant academic documents such as transcripts, certificates, and testimonials, along with the contact details (including email addresses and daytime telephone numbers) of three referees – two of whom must be your former supervisors – should be addressed to: The Executive Director – CEFORD P.O. Box 303 Arua. Hard copy applications can be delivered to CEFORD Offices in Arua, Yumbe, Paidha, Moyo and Adjumani. Electronic application having all the required documents combined as one pdf file (only for Livelihood Coordinator, Project Officer and MEAL Assistant Positions) should be emailed with the subject clearly marked “Position Applied-Name of Applicant” to recruitment@ceford.or.ug. All applications should reach the above address not later than Thursday 10th July 2025 by 4:00PM. Late submission of applications and those not in one pdf file will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. NOTE: Women and persons with disability are encouraged to apply.
Livelihood Coordinator – 01 Position
Job summary: The Project Coordinator plays a critical role in guiding the project toward its overall mission of building resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and gender equality among refugee and host communities. This position requires a skilled and adaptable leader who can coordinate the full scope of project activities across climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, and gender empowerment. The Coordinator will ensure that all project interventions are harmonized, impactful, and aligned with local priorities and community needs. By fostering strong partnerships, promoting inclusive community engagement, and implementing responsive strategies, the Project Coordinator will drive meaningful change in the targeted communities About Us CEFORD is a not-for-profit Non-Governmental Organization registered in June 2000 as a Limited Liability (by Guarantee) organization with registration number M/A/NB2000/11/2710 and incorporation number 8001000460788 under the laws of Uganda regulating NGO operations. CEFORD is a registered member of the Uganda National NGO Forum since February 2002. CEFORD currently operates in parts of the Districts of West Nile: Adjumani, Arua, Terego, Madi Okollo, Moyo, Nebbi, Yumbe, Koboko, Maracha, Obongi and Zombo and part of Rwenzori Region (Kasese and Masaka Districts) and has extended its services to Kiryandongo. The Thematic areas are Education, Livelihood, Community Development, Humanitarian Action, Community Health, Protection and Organizational Development. CEFORD’s Vision is ‘An Empowered Poverty Free Society’; and its Mission is “To provide capacity development services that builds the resilience of disadvantaged women, men, youth, children and their groups/organizations to realize their rights and improve their wellbeing”. CEFORD is guided by the Corporate Values of Mutual Respect; Transparency and Accountability; Equity and Participatory Approach. CEFORD in partnership with HERS-EPER is implementing the “Community resilience strengthening Project through Improved Livelihoods, conflict transformation and Climate Adaptation in Yumbe and Obongi districts”, The project aims at enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly South Sudanese refugees and host communities, in West Nile, Uganda, with a target of 1,500 direct beneficiaries (60% refugees and 40% host community members). The initiative seeks to address the pressing challenges of resource competition, food insecurity, and climate change impacts exacerbated by the prolonged presence of refugees. In order to realize the project goal and objectives, CEFORD therefore invites application from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following Position; Duty Station: Yumbe Reports to: Program Area Coordinator – Koboko Program Contract period: Fixed-term – (12 months, renewable) Key Responsibilities: 1. Project Planning and Coordination 2. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building 3. Operational and Field Implementation 4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning 5. Resource and Budget Management 6. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Ability to develop detailed, goal-oriented plans and effectively manage complex projects with multiple moving parts. How to Apply: Application letters, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and photocopies of relevant academic documents such as transcripts, certificates, and testimonials, along with the contact details (including email addresses and daytime telephone numbers) of three referees – two of whom must be your former supervisors – should be addressed to: The Executive Director – CEFORD P.O. Box 303 Arua. Hard copy applications can be delivered to CEFORD Offices in Arua, Yumbe, Paidha, Moyo and Adjumani. Electronic application having all the required documents combined as one pdf file (only for Livelihood Coordinator, Project Officer and MEAL Assistant Positions) should be emailed with the subject clearly marked “Position Applied-Name of Applicant” to recruitment@ceford.or.ug. All applications should reach the above address not later than Thursday 10th July 2025 by 4:00PM. Late submission of applications and those not in one pdf file will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. NOTE: Women and persons with disability are encouraged to apply.
Business Development Coordinator
Job Summary: The Business Development Coordinator (BDC) is responsible for facilitating the transition of skilled but unemployed youth into the workforce. This role involves leading market research to identify new opportunities, analyzing historical and current barriers to youth employment, and developing strategies to enhance access to employment and entrepreneurship. The BDC will collaborate with financial service providers, local governments, SACCOs, and Village Savings and Loan Associations to promote access to affordable credit for business start-up capital. Additionally, the role includes designing marketing strategies and identifying opportunities to ensure sustainable business development and continuity. CEFORD in Partnership with War Child Canada (WCC), ELECU and other 8 refugee led organisations/CBOs have been implementing a project titled: ‘Bridge: From Secondary Education and Skills Development to Job Opportunities for Refugee and Host Community Youth in Uganda’ program designed to further the Young Africa Works Strategy and address the youth unemployment challenge in Uganda’s refuge host districts. The project targets directly to reach 73,439 (51,768 female) and aims to transition 38,912 (27,239 female) youth into dignified and fulfilling work in nine (9) refugee hosting districts in South Western and West-Nile. To successfully transition the young people multiple strategies have been designed ranging from supporting out of school youth back to school through the AEP; equipping youth with technical vocational skills through formal, non-formal and entrepreneurship skills. CEFORD is responsible for implementing the non-formal skills training in West Nile covering five (5) districts of Adjumani, Obongi, Yumbe, Koboko, Terego and Madi-Okollo. As part of its overall contribution toward achieving the project goals, CEFORD was allocated a target of 29,042 outreach engagements and the transition of 12,840 young people into employment. These targets are disaggregated as follows: 100% youth (ages 18–32), 70% women, 70% refugees, and 5% youth with disabilities. To realize the project’s goals and objectives, CEFORD seeks to recruit a full-time, competent Business Development Coordinator to enhance business development services and entrepreneurship support among programme youth particularly skilled but unemployed young people. The aim is to help them establish profitable, formal, and sustainable businesses and access meaningful employment opportunities. Job Title: Business Development Coordinator – 01 PositionDuty Station: Arua with field travels to Madi-Okollo, Terego, Obongi, Adjumani and Yumbe.Reports to: Project ManagerContract period: 14 months. Key responsibilities. Qualifications and Experience: How to Apply: Application letters, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and photocopies of relevant academic documents such as transcripts, certificates, and testimonials, along with the contact details (including email addresses and daytime telephone numbers) of three referees – two of whom must be your former supervisors – should be addressed to: The Executive Director – CEFORD P.O. Box 303 Arua. Hard copy applications can be delivered to CEFORD Offices in Arua, Yumbe, Paidha, Moyo and Adjumani. Electronic application having all the required documents combined as one pdf file should be emailed with the subject clearly marked “Position Applied-Name of Applicant” to recruitment@ceford.or.ug. All applications should reach the above address not later than Wednesday 14th May 2025 by 4:00PM. Late submission of applications and those not in one pdf file will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please submit Once, either hard copy or soft copy NOT BOTH. NOTE: Women and persons with disability are encouraged to apply.
Nyagai Jal Angelina — A Beacon of Strength and Empowerment for Women
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the inspiring story of Nyagai Jal (Angelina) stands as a powerful testament to the resilience, determination, and transformative potential of women when given opportunities to thrive. A 40-year-old refugee, mother of five, foster parent to over 15 children, and a leader in her community, Nyagai is one of our heroines who exemplifies strength, courage, and empowerment calling on women everywhere to rise and lead. Fleeing conflict in South Sudan, Nyagai arrived in Uganda in 2018 with her family and resettled in Village 6, Omugo Zone, Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. Struggling with the challenges of displacement, she also grappled with low self-esteem, fear, and a sense of powerlessness. Yet today, she stands tall as a leader, teacher, and champion for women’s rights. Nyagai’s path to leadership began when she participated in a CEFORD training funded by Oxfam Belgium. Recognizing her dedication and potential, her community nominated her as a member of the Gender and Protection Committee (GPC). This pivotal role became the foundation of her remarkable journey. The fear that once silenced her gave way to confidence and an unyielding commitment to serving her community. She deepened her engagement through the Women and Youth Resilience Project (WAYREP), funded by the Austria Development Corporation through CARE International in Uganda and implemented by CEFORD. She became a SASA activist and a women’s rights advocate, championing gender equality and community development. Her dedication and leadership led to her election as the Refugee Welfare Council 2 (RWC 2) Women’s Representative in Omugo Zone. Additionally, she took on roles as a nursery school teacher and, more recently, as a Social Analysis and Action (S.A.A) facilitator for her village under the Gender Equality and Resilience (GEAR) project, funded by Austrian Development Cooperation through CARE International in Uganda. Reflecting on her transformation, Nyagai shares: “I used to fear when men gathered in one place, but these days I don’t fear anymore. I approach them and talk about issues affecting our community. At first, some opposed me, saying I was a woman and couldn’t advise them, but now they seek my counsel and even offer me a chair to sit on. The community believes in me. When I return from training, they ask me to share what I’ve learned. I thank CEFORD & CARE for empowering me to be who I am today. I now understand their vision of an empowered community. I hope more women like me are given this chance.” This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” deeply resonates with Nyagai Jal’s story. From a woman silenced by fear to a respected leader advocating for gender equality, she exemplifies the power of inclusion and the importance of challenging stereotypes. Her journey serves as a reminder that investing in women’s potential doesn’t just uplift individuals—it strengthens entire communities. Nyagai’s transformation has been acknowledged by Emau Michael from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Omugo Zone:“I want to sincerely thank CEFORD for transforming Nyagai Jal. I am a witness to her journey. She was once shy and reserved, unable to speak in community meetings. But through CEFORD’s training, she has become a confident leader and the RWC 2 Women’s Representative.” Today, we honor Nyagai and countless other women who rise against the odds to become leaders, teachers, and changemakers in their communities. Their resilience and determination continue to inspire generations and drive the movement toward a more inclusive and equitable world. CEFORD in partnership with CARE International in Uganda with funding from the Austrian development Agency through CARE Austria is implementing a five years project starting from April 2024 to March 2029. The Gender Equality and Resilience Project (GEAR) has an overall goal to empower marginalized women, girls, and youth (15-59, with a focus on 15-35 years) to be more self- reliant and live in a responsive and inclusive environment in Northern Uganda and Eastern Rwanda. In Arua city, the project is implemented in the central division (former Oli division) and in Terego it is implemented in Omugo sub county targeting Ugandan nationals and South Sudanese refugees in Omugo zone, an extension of Rhino camp refugee settlement.