Rethinking Aid
One project at a time
We’re beginning a long-term journey in Yumbe Town, Uganda, and our first step is to listen. Our initial project is fully dedicated to understanding the community: through conversations, baseline studies, and shared reflection, we aim to map out the challenges, opportunities, and visions held by those who live and lead there.
Together with 10 local organizations, coordinated by HADE, we are co-developing a locally grounded strategy that will guide all future projects. These organizations will become the foundation of Locally Led Development Hubs: collaborative, community-anchored networks ready to take on a leading role in shaping their future.
In 2024 alone, Yumbe received over USD 267 million in international aid (IATI). But while the funding is significant, much of it flows through large international agencies with limited grassroots reach — leaving local voices unheard and structural issues unsolved for the people of Yumbe.
We believe sustainable change starts with the people already there. By shifting power and resources directly to local actors, we’re helping ensure development efforts truly reflect and respond to community priorities, not just external plans.
Yumbe Town
In Northern Uganda, is located near the South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo border. We chose to begin our work in Yumbe, because it highlights a striking reality: despite the strong presence of international NGOs and significant aid funding —largely driven by the nearby Bidibidi refugee camp, one of the largest in the world— many local communities still face deep, persistent challenges. While global attention is focused on the region, the people living there continue to struggle for better lives. We believe that shifting more resources and trust to the local leaders who are already working there will change that.
The timeline…
We launched our Baseline Study in May 2025. After listening closely to local voices and analyzing the needs across the community, we’ll co-develop a shared strategy in August.
From there we’ll begin to secure funding to help bring the local visions to life. Our long-term goal is to build a Locally-Led Development Hub: An innovative approach to community-driven change.
