Socio-economic Empowerment

Improved living conditions of residents in the district of Kassanda. Gender relations are taken into account.

Directly involved are 360 households; of these, 210 households already involved in last project (2019-2022). orphans, boys and girls with disabilities aged 10 to 17, apprentices and adults with disabilities, other 150 households will be in the new project (2023-2026). Indirectly involved: 5.000 people.

People with disabilities in Uganda suffer extreme poverty and limited education, health services, suitable housing and employment access. Inadequate nutrition at a young age often prevents the development of children with disabilities. Many are forced to live on streets, engage in exploitative labour, are sexually abused, and are at increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. The government introduced a universal primary school system but costs for lunch, exams and uniforms are still paid privately. Specialised schools for children with disabilities are more costly, leading to children dropping out or not attending. Subsistence farming is the main source of income in rural areas; women making up 76% of the agricultural labour force. However, women have limited access to secure property rights, especially land. Access to land for women would promote productivity and food security. In addition to land grabbing and inefficient farming methods, the effects of climate change are severe.

• Orphans and children with disabilities are supported in completing an informal or formal education
• The enrolment fees are paid. Victims of gender-based violence are supported in reporting their cases
• Training on business management, livestock management, vocational qualifications and the promotion of income-generating activities improve the know-how of the residents
• As part of the project, six women's groups are supported in setting up and maintaining a business
• The planting of three fruit trees per household, the use of energy-saving stoves and the establishment of vegetable and banana gardens are improving people's food security
• Dialogue events are organized that focus on the rights of women, people with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children
• Three institutional guidelines (policy briefs) are drawn up to promote the rights of these target groups
• Exchange visits for Caritas employees and training on gender and environmental protection promote gender-sensitive and sustainable project implementation
• A gender guideline is also being drawn up