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
Food Security & Agribusiness
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.
Environment & Energy
As our population grows, so does the pressure on our use of natural resources. Our programs are aligned to sustainable green economic development with the full participation of our communities and stakeholders.
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 March 2025
March is a month globally recognized for celebrating resilience and progress, we take a moment to reflect on the inspiring stories emerging from the communities we serve. From economic empowerment to cooperative revival, the impact of our work continues to be felt in the lives of individuals striving for a better future. This edition of our newsletter brings you firsthand accounts of transformation. Kenjiri Ruth, once unemployed for four years, found her footing through KRC-Uganda’s training under the Young Africa Works – Markets for Youth Project. Similarly, Kahindo Wasi, a refugee from Congo, seized the opportunity presented by the Kulea Watoto project, using her VSLA savings to start a shoe business that now provides for her family and promises a brighter future. In the Rwenzori region, vanilla cooperatives that once struggled with poor market access and governance issues are now thriving, thanks to the VIBRANT project implemented by KRC-Uganda in partnership with Enabel. Farmers are securing fair prices, gaining financial literacy, and connecting to key stakeholders who enhance their bargaining power. This initiative is not just restoring hope, it is building resilient, self-sustaining communities. Beyond economic growth, we also highlight mental well-being, a crucial but often overlooked aspect ofresilience. Learning how to manage anger and frustration can be the difference between fostering strongrelationships and causing unintended harm. This edition provides practical strategies for emotional regulation, ensuring that personal and community growth go hand in hand.As we celebrate the progress made, we are reminded that true transformation happens when individuals are empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and support systems. Whether through financial inclusion, cooperative development, or mental well-being, the common thread in all these stories is the power of opportunity and the courage to seize it.We remain committed to championing the voices of those making a difference in their lives and communities. As we continue our work, let us amplify these success stories, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards sustainable development. Here’s to another month of impact and progress! click to read more
3. Apr 2025
Addressing Land Access Challenges in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement: The Role of Community Peace Keepers
Uganda is grappling with land access challenges in refugee settlements due to reduced funding and food ration cuts. These challenges have had a severe impact on vulnerable refugees with limited income, many of whom struggle to afford land for cultivation as an alternative means of food production. In Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, where renting half an acre of land costs between UGX 70,000 and UGX 150,000, many refugees find it nearly impossible to secure farmland. Despite these challenges, KRC-Uganda’s Community Peace Keepers, trained under the EU-Land Project with funding from the European Union, have played a pivotal role in managing land-related conflicts in Yangani and Abiriamajo Clusters. Through mediation and counselling sessions at the community level, they have successfully de-escalated tensions, providing inclusive conflict resolution that involves both refugees and host community members. Key Land Issues in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement The primary issues surrounding land access in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement include: High rental costs that make land unaffordable for refugees. Multiple landowners claiming the same land. Fraudulent land transactions, where the same piece of land is rented out to different tenants. Poor land quality, with refugees allocated rocky or unsuitable land for cultivation. Stray domestic and vermin animals are destroying crops. Boundary conflicts between individual landowners and institutions such as schools, mosques, churches, and local government authorities. Youth involvement in land-related disputes, sometimes through deception or manipulation. These issues have led to frequent conflicts between refugees and host communities, threatening peaceful coexistence and food security. KRC-Uganda’s Community-Based Approach to Conflict Resolution To effectively address these challenges, KRC-Uganda has established robust community-based structures that facilitate conflict identification, reporting, and resolution. These structures involve representatives from the refugee and host communities, ensuring inclusivity in decision-making. Key interventions include: Conflict Early Warning (CEW) System – Reports on land disputes are logged into an online system, generating analytical reports that guide stakeholders on appropriate actions. https://krc-earlywarningsystem.com/ Community Mediation and Counselling – KRC-Uganda Peace Keepers conduct mediation sessions, enabling affected parties to discuss grievances, acknowledge missteps, and find mutually acceptable solutions. Case Referral for Complex Disputes – Criminal and highly complex cases are referred to relevant authorities for further action. Impact of Peacekeeping Efforts Through continuous mediation and awareness creation, land-related conflicts have significantly reduced in Yangani and Abiriamajo Clusters. Community Peace Keepers play a key role in ensuring landowners and tenants remain accountable, reducing instances of fraudulent land transactions and disputes. Mrs. Unia Atai, a Peace Keeper and Woman Representative in Yangani Cluster, shared her perspective:“Our work as Peace Keepers has truly reduced land-related conflicts in our communities. Both landowners and tenants are now more cautious, knowing that any fraudulent transactions can be easily exposed and addressed.” Understanding the Root Causes of Land Disputes Several factors continue to fuel land-related tensions in Bidibidi Camp Refugee Settlement, including: Competition for scarce resources such as land, water, and firewood. Unclear land ownership and usage rights, leading to disputes over control. Population growth, as refugee families reunite and the host community expands. Cultural and language differences, which sometimes hinder communication and mutual understanding. Religious diversity occasionally contributes to misunderstandings and disagreements. While progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to ensure sustainable land access and peaceful coexistence. Strengthening community peace structures, enhancing land governance mechanisms, and providing alternative livelihood options for refugees will be crucial in preventing future conflicts and fostering long-term stability. By Francis Happy Muhindo Peace and Conflict Manager BidiBidi Refugee Settlement
1. Apr 2025
Uganda Expands Rhino Camp to Accommodate Growing Refugee Population
Uganda faces a growing influx of refugees, specifically from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The increasing numbers have put pressure on existing settlements, leading authorities to open new zones in Rhino Camp, located in the West Nile region. The new zones opened are Wanguru and Zone 8 in Madi Okollo DistrictAccording to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Rhino Camp, which already hosts thousands of refugees, has been stretched beyond capacity. The continuous arrival of asylum seekers has necessitated the expansion of settlement areas to provide adequate shelter, food, and essential services. Many new arrivals cite ongoing conflict, political instability, and economic hardships in their home countries as the main reasons for seeking refuge in Uganda. While the Ugandan government has maintained its open-door policy, the strain on resources such as water, healthcare, and education remains a growing challenge.Humanitarian organizations are increasingly worried about the sustainability of support services as the number of refugees continues to rise. Agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) have faced funding shortages, which have impacted the food rations provided to refugees. Additionally, local communities near Rhino Camp are expressing concerns about land use and environmental degradation resulting from the growing population. OPM, UNHCR, and implementing partner organizations participate in negotiations with host communities for land to settle refugees Despite these challenges, Uganda remains one of the most welcoming countries for refugees in Africa. Efforts are underway to secure more funding from international donors to support the expanding refugee population and ensure that new zones in Rhino Camp are well-equipped to accommodate those in need. By: Kamuli Jacinta Maria Ease Project Officer-Steps
31. Mar 2025
A taste of safety: Uncovering the food safety concerns in Fort Portal City food markets
In 2024, Kabarole Research and Resource Centre (KRC Uganda), along with Iles De Paix (IDP) and Fort Portal City, embarked on a mission to ensure the safety of the food consumed in Fort Portal and its hinterlands. This initiative focused on three major markets: Kabundaire, Mpanga, and Kisenyi. The aim was to evaluate the microbiological and chemical safety of commonly consumed food items such as raw milk, groundnut paste, fresh vegetables like tomatoes, African eggplant, and cabbage, and meat. Understanding the significance of food safety, the team conducted tests for various contaminants, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, heavy metals such as Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead, aflatoxins, and pesticide residues. Each of these contaminants poses serious health risks, from food poisoning and cancer to neurological damage and immune suppression. This assessment was crucial to ensuring that the food supply meets regulatory standards and is safe for consumption. The team aimed to assess microbiological contamination in raw milk and meat, detect heavy metals in groundnut paste, determine aflatoxin levels in groundnut paste samples, analyze pesticide residues in fresh vegetables, and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving food safety in local markets. To achieve these objectives, we collected three samples of each food item from three different vendors across the three markets, ensuring a representative sampling. The samples were transported under strict conditions and analyzed at the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) in Kampala. The microbiological analysis focused on detecting E. coli in raw cow milk and E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus in raw meat using the pour plate technique. For groundnut paste, heavy metals were tested using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and aflatoxin contamination was analyzed using Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The fresh vegetable samples were tested for pesticide residues using the Gas Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) technique. The findings from the food tests revealed several key insights. The raw milk samples from Kabundaire had the highest E. coli contamination, raising concerns about hygiene and milk handling practices. In Mpanga Market, the raw meat samples failed microbiological safety standards due to excessive E. coli and Clostridium perfringens, indicating poor hygiene during meat handling. However, the meat samples from Kisenyi and Kabundaire markets met microbiological safety requirements, suggesting good handling and storage practices. The groundnut paste samples showed concerning levels of heavy metals, particularly Cadmium, which exceeded safe limits in Kabundaire and Kisenyi markets. Aflatoxin contamination was detected in Kabundaire and Mpanga markets, with some samples exceeding the safe limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The fresh vegetable samples revealed high pesticide residues in Kabundaire and Kisenyi, particularly Profenofos and Cypermethrin, posing significant health risks. These findings underscore the need for immediate intervention to improve food safety in these markets. Measures such as enhancing hygiene practices, proper storage, and drying techniques for groundnuts, integrated pest management (IPM), and strict regulation of pesticide use are essential. Ensuring food safety is not just about conducting tests but taking actionable steps to protect public health. This assessment highlights the critical areas needing intervention to make our markets safer. By prioritizing food safety, we can build a healthier future for everyone. By Eric Oteba, Programs Manager, KRC-Uganda
4. Mar 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.
