Kabarole Research and Resource Centre-Uganda (KRC-Uganda) is a well-established NGO operating countrywide in different regions of Uganda. Founded in 1996, with a research mission and a long-term commitment to understanding the measures and drivers of poverty and its solutions, KRC-Uganda has …
Our Programs
FAGREC Unit
This program plays a vital role in bolstering the efforts of farmers’ organizations by providing comprehensive support across various critical areas of agricultural development.
Information Research & Communications
Since its founding in 1996, KRC has stood by the philosophy that meaningful actionable data is the driver of successful and impactful development programs.
Governance & Policy Advocacy
KRC facilitate spaces for citizens to make their voices heard and exercise their democratic and civic rights. We work with governance structures with the aim of enhancing
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Newsletter August 2025
As we continue working towards empowering communities for prosperity, we are thrilled to share with you our latest updates and stories of transformation. From dependent to self-sustaining individuals and groups, we are witnessing remarkable growth across KRC-Uganda’s areas of operation. Our youth initiatives are symbolized by the youth in Rhino Camp, who are finding their spark of hope through skilling, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation. Refugee youth are among the most vulnerable, yet most resilient members within displaced communities. They often face disrupted education, limited opportunities, and uncertain futures but amidst these challenges lies a powerful potential of skills development as a pathway to dignity and self-reliance. In skilling and equipping the youth with practical, relevant, and market-driven competencies needed to thrive. It is how we shape a resilient, creative, and self-reliant generation ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future. In our economic empowerment efforts, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have been instrumental for economic empowerment in rural communities.Groups like Inuka in Kyaka II settlement (Kakoni zone) and Bicumu in Rucwamigo parish, Kyegegwa district are making strides from saving money to smart investment like farming that has contributed to improved livelihoods. This transition represents a strategic shift from financial inclusion to economic productivity. By pooling resources, knowledge, and labor, farming groups can access larger markets, share costs of inputs, and adopt improved agricultural practices more efficiently. The move from saving to farming is not merely a change in activity, it is a deepening of purpose. It positions communities to go beyond subsistence and into sustainable,income-generating agribusiness. Whilst the world is grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity, agroecology emerges as a movement towards a more resilient, and sustainable food systems. KRC-Uganda through her interventions introduces bio-concoctions as a sustainable solution for biodiversity, soil health, local food systems and farmer empowerment. Conversations about gender equality have been seen as the responsibility to include and empower women alone. However, true equality is not a women’s issue, it’s a societal one. To achieve meaningful and lasting change, we must bring everyone into the conversation and that includes men and boys. The Role Model Men (RMM) training on men’s inclusion in gender equality is both timely and essential. It recognizes that men are not only part of the problem when it comes to gender-based discrimination and inequality, they are also a vital part of the solution. When men understand the systems that perpetuate gender imbalance and are empowered to question cultural norms and power dynamics, they become allies, advocates, and change-makers. In this newsletter, we invite you to explore the inspiring journeys of those we are serving and learn more about our impact-driven programs … click to read more
3. Sep 2025
Empowering Youth and Women in the Rwenzori, Linking Finance to Vanilla Prosperity.
In the lush foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, vanilla farming is more than just an agricultural activity; it is a lifeline. Yet for years, many smallholder farmers, especially youth and women, have been unable to fully benefit from this lucrative crop. The challenge? Limited access to finance.Now, through the Vanilla Initiative for Building Resilient and Nature Thriving Communities (VIBRANT) project, funded by Enabel implemented by KRC-Uganda, the tide is turning. By linking Post Bank Uganda, Hofokam, Hima Cement Community Sacco, and BRAC Bank with vanilla producer groups, the project is helping farmers unlock affordable finance, gain financial literacy, and improve their standards of living. Breaking the Cycle of Premature Sales For decades, farmers in the Rwenzori region have sold vanilla beans prematurely, often at throwaway prices. The reason is simple: urgent household needs such as school fees, medical bills, or food forced them to sell early to exploitative middlemen. This not only reduced farmers’ incomes but also tarnished the reputation of Ugandan vanilla on global markets.“When farmers are financially empowered, they no longer have to sell premature green vanilla. They can wait for full maturity, which gives them better prices and ensures Uganda’s vanilla is of top quality,” explains Messod Atwihayo, a VIBRANT project production and marketing officer at KRC-Uganda.With access to credit and revolving funds from Post Bank, farmers can now cover immediate expenses without being forced into premature sales. This financial buffer enables them to maintain quality, earn premium prices, and reinvest in their farms. Financial Literacy: A Game-Changer. The VIBRANT project through financial linkages does not stop at loans. Farmers receive practical financial literacy training, equipping them with skills in savings, budgeting, and debt management. This ensures that every shilling borrowed is used productively and that farmers build long-term financial resilience. “For the first time, I understand how to keep records, save as a group, and invest wisely, before, money would come and go. Now, I can plan for my family’s future.” says Biira Racheal, a vanilla farmer from the Ntonya Vanilla farmers’ association in Buhuhira subcounty, Kasese. Transforming Lives Beyond the Farm The benefits of financial inclusion ripple beyond vanilla fields:– Quality Assurance: Some farmers invest in curing and storage facilities, boosting market value. Most global vanilla buyers prefer buying directly from farmer cooperatives to buying from traders so that farmers can sustain the vanilla industry through premium price gains.– Household Welfare: Loans help cover school fees, healthcare, and household needs.– Women & Youth Empowerment: Women and young people are taking leadership roles in their groups, building confidence and influence in planning and managing their vanilla businesses.– Diversified Income: Some farmers are starting small businesses trading poultry or retail, reducing dependence on vanilla alone.“When a farmer accesses finance, it’s not just vanilla that improves; it’s the entire household,” notes Mr. Peterson Post Bank Relationship manager, Kasese. Building a Sustainable Future Uganda’s vanilla sector holds immense global potential. By strengthening the financial capacity of smallholder farmers, the VIBRANT project is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and competitive industry. Farmers are now better positioned to negotiate fair prices, invest in productivity, and contribute to the national economy.Already, more than 50 farmer groups have been linked to banks and other financial institutions through the project, with many reporting increased incomes and improved livelihoods. A Sweet Promise Ahead As KRC-Uganda continues to bridge the gap between farmers and financial institutions, one thing is clear: vanilla farmers in the Rwenzori are on a new path. A path where finance and knowledge go hand in hand, ensuring that Uganda’s “green gold” truly transforms the lives of those who cultivate it.“When you empower a farmer with finance, you empower an entire community, that is the essence of the VIBRANT project” KRC-Uganda’s Microfinance Officer.With the right financial tools, vanilla farmers no longer just flavour the world; they build futures filled with dignity, resilience, and prosperity. Compiled by Atwihayo Messod, Production and Marketing Officer
29. Aug 2025
Newsletter July 2025
As we mark another six months, we take a moment to reflect on our journey, celebrating successes and learning from challenges. In this bi-annual reflection, we explored key milestones, insights, and lessons that have shaped our path. With the leadership of our Executive Director Mr Mohammed Ahmed Shariff, we reflected upon our inward vision which defines our work and purpose as the leading research, advocacy and community development organization. This laid a foundation to inform our discussions by rating all our endeavors within the communities based on how much our work has contributed to research, advocacy and empowering of communities. Through such thoughtful analysis and honest reflection, we aimed to distill wisdom, identify areas for improvement, and reaffirm our commitment to growth and excellence. In Rhino camp, KRC-Uganda through the STEPS project is reaching to children, women and youth through approaches such as Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) in order to promote mental wellbeing from the traumas that such individuals face, this has built resilience, confidence and hope within refugee communities. As we share these stories, we gain insight into the refugee experience, challenging stereotypes and fostering a deeper appreciation for the strength and courage that defines their lives. Bysharing their voices, we hope to inspire a more inclusive and supportive community. Kato Umil Omal Documentation & Communication Officer Kansemire’s story illustrates the transformative power of economic empowerment trainings for refugees. Her transition from a financially struggling housewife to a thriving farmer is a testament to the strength of community support and skills development initiatives. As we navigate the complexities of the modern life, prioritizing nutrition has never been more important. KRC-Uganda with support from Iles de paix are promoting nutrition education within schools through carrying out practical cooking sessions empowering children with knowledge and skills to prepare nutritious meals and to make better decisions regarding their diets and feeding. Click to read more
21. Aug 2025
Newsletter June 2025
Every 20th of June we celebrate the World Refugee Day and on such a day we honor the strength and resilience of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution or violence, in this edition we highlight the role KRC-Uganda plays in advancing protection services through implementing the Sustainable Transition to Locally-led Emergency and Protection Services (STEPS) project in Rhino camp Bidibidi. KRC-Uganda demonstrates the impact of compassion, dedication, and community-driven solutions. We share their stories to inspire, create awareness, understanding, and action in support of refugee communities. The story of Etiane Ndugu a refugee from , Kyaka II Refugee Settlement that can see a ray of light through economic transformation achieved by practising piggery farming a skill he acquired from training under Kulea Watoto project in order to support his family without relying on cash handouts from humanitarian aid. KRC-Uganda was proud to participate in the 4th National Nutrition Symposium, that brought together experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the latest developments in nutrition research and policy transforming. Food systems require a collective effort from policymakers, farmers, consumers, and industry leaders and by working together, we can create a food system that nourishes both people and the planet. We look forward to implementing the insights and recommendations emerging from this important event. We hope these stories will spark meaningful conversations, encourage empathy and provide valuable insights Click to read more
2. Jul 2025
Kabarole Research and Resource Center – Uganda
KRC-UGANDA, established in 1996, is a dedicated research, advocacy, and community development organization. At the heart of our mission lies the steadfast belief that meaningful, actionable data serves as the cornerstone for driving impactful development programs. With a proven commitment to fostering positive change and progress within communities, we strive to provide valuable insights that empower informed decision-making, ensuring sustainable and effective development initiatives. Join us in our journey towards a brighter future for Uganda and beyond.
