Uganda as a country faces several socio-cultural, economic and political challenges, which perpetuate high levels of poverty and inequality. This limits the participation of vulnerable groups, particularly women, youth and pastoralists in decisions that affect them. It limits their access to opportunities and resources, their ability to participate and have a voice in decisions that affect them and makes them more prone to risks, shocks and other vulnerabilities.
Oxfam in Uganda
Oxfam started working in Uganda in the 1960s. Since then, we have implemented both development and humanitarian programs to support practical and innovative ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty.
Oxfam envisions Uganda free of extreme inequality and injustice; a society where citizens and particularly women across all age groups claim and exercise their rights and responsibilities and can influence decisions that affect their lives.
Our one country program is hinged on three thematic goals that aim to promote women’s rights, good governance and accountability, resilient livelihoods, as well as enhance preparedness, reduce vulnerability to disaster and ensure an effective response to humanitarian crises.
Governance and Accountability - Oxfam is working to ensure that Vulnerable Women, youth and men have increased space for and role in contributing meaningfully to decision-making in development processes and holding Governments, Private sector, Social Institutions and Civil Society Organisations accountable.
Resilient Livelihoods - Oxfam works to ensure that vulnerable women, youth, marginalized men and other vulnerable groups in a range of Ugandan livelihood settings are economically empowered and enjoy their rights to food as well as have increased incomes.
Humanitarian preparedness and response - Oxfam works to empower vulnerable women, youth and men with skills and knowledge so that they can mitigate and cope with shocks and enjoy their rights to a life with dignity. In cases of disaster, Oxfam works together with partners to provide lifesaving assistance that meets the needs of those affected.
Oxfam also believes that besides saving lives, it is imperative to strengthen humanitarian capacity at a local level. This would ensure better, quicker and cost-effective preparedness and response to humanitarian situations. We have taken actions to strengthen the capacity of local humanitarian actors in all our areas of work.