Oxfam Novib

Oxfam Novib, the Dutch affiliate of the Oxfam confederation, plays a significant role in Uganda by supporting a range of initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, clean energy access, and locally led humanitarian response.

🌱 Key Programs and Initiatives in Uganda

1. SUSTAINED Project

In partnership with CARE and Mercy Corps, Oxfam Novib co-implements the SUSTAINED project, which aims to increase access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy for refugees and host communities in Uganda. The project focuses on off-grid solar solutions, clean cooking technologies, and productive use of energy (PUE) to enhance livelihoods. It also addresses policy barriers and promotes gender-inclusive energy access through market-based approaches in areas like Yumbe District and Bidibidi refugee settlement.

2. FAIR for ALL Program

Oxfam Novib leads the FAIR for ALL program in Uganda, part of a global initiative funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The program supports civil society organizations in advocating for fairer global trade and value chains. It emphasizes women’s economic empowerment, land rights, and equitable fiscal and trade policies, aiming to transform agricultural and extractive value chains for systemic change.

3. ELNHA (Empowering Local and National Humanitarian Actors)

Implemented between 2016 and 2021, ELNHA focused on strengthening the capacity of local humanitarian actors in Uganda. The program provided direct funding mechanisms, such as the Humanitarian Response Grant Facility, and promoted equitable partnerships between international and local responders. It also advocated for increased direct funding to local organizations, aligning with commitments like the Grand Bargain.

4. WEMAN and GALS Methodology

Through the WEMAN (Women’s Empowerment Mainstreaming and Networking) program, Oxfam Novib introduced the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) in Uganda. This community-led methodology empowers women and men to address gender inequalities in agricultural value chains. For instance, in the West Nile region, farmers collaborated with the local NGO CEFORD to adapt GALS for improving income and food security.

5. Impact Investments

Oxfam Novib’s Impact Investments, including the Pepea Fund, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These investments focus on sectors like agriculture, energy, and waste management, aiming to promote climate resilience and financial inclusion, particularly for women and rural entrepreneurs.

👩‍💼 Leadership Spotlight: Sophie Kyagulanyi

Sophie Kyagulanyi serves as the Governance and Accountability Manager at Oxfam in Uganda. A seasoned human rights lawyer and activist, she has previously held roles such as Democratic Governance Coordinator at Action Aid Uganda and Women in Leadership Programme Manager at the Forum for Women in Democracy. Kyagulanyi is also a founding member and chairperson of DefendDefenders, an organization dedicated to protecting human rights defenders in East Africa.