18 Aug
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

“From Refugee to Self-Reliant Farmer in Nakivale”

Women Growing Independence: Musabyimana Angelique Leads Ubumwe Group in Nakivale.

In Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda, women are redefining resilience and independence through agriculture. Musabyimana Angelique, a committed member and caretaker of the Ubumwe group’s sukuma wiki garden, is one of them.

Standing proudly among the thriving rows of greens, Angelique explains that the group is now planning to expand their gardens. “Since the rainy season has begun, it is the right time to plant new nursery beds,” she says. The Ubumwe group is preparing to secure more vegetable seeds, hoping to build on the success of their previous harvests.

That success has been remarkable. From their sukuma wiki gardens, the women collectively earn about UGX 400,000 (USD 105) per month. This income goes beyond household expenses—it enables them to buy personal items, reinvest in agriculture, and cover family needs. Importantly, it also ensures their children eat a balanced diet. “Our children are healthier now,” Angelique notes. “They eat enough vegetables and feed well.”

The group credits Shared Action Africa for empowering them with the knowledge and skills to start and sustain their agricultural ventures. Before joining, many of the women relied solely on the limited support of their husbands or aid assistance. Today, they are proud contributors to their families’ welfare.

“We no longer wait for money from our men or the fathers of our children,” the women explain. “Through agriculture, we make our own money, pay our bills, and lighten the burden on our families.”

What began as a small garden has grown into a source of pride, health, and empowerment. For Musabyimana Angelique and her group, agriculture is not just about food—it is about dignity, independence, and building a future with hope.

 

ill always be grateful.”

18 Aug
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

“From Refugee to Self-Reliant Farmer in Nakivale”

From Refugee to Farmer: How Training Transformed Bagyema Syliaque’s Life in Nakivale.

In the heart of Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement, resilience and hope often grow in unexpected places. For Bagyema Syliaque, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo and a member of the Ubumwe group in Nyarugugu “C,” that hope now grows in his garden—lush rows of cabbage, sukuma wiki, and African eggplant.

When Bagyema first arrived in Nakivale, like many refugees, he struggled to rebuild his life and provide for his family. Farming was not new to him, but maximizing productivity in the limited land and challenging conditions of a settlement required new skills. This turning point came when Shared Action Africa, an organization dedicated to empowering refugees and vulnerable communities, introduced agricultural training programs.

“I had no idea that farming could change my life this way,” Bagyema recalls. “Shared Action Africa trained me on how to plant cabbages, sukuma wiki, and eggplants. I mastered the skills, and now I harvest enough not only to feed my family but also to sell and make money.”

The results speak volumes. Bagyema currently earns over UGX 550,000 (approximately USD 150) per month from his harvest. This income, though modest by global standards, has been transformative in the context of refugee life. With his earnings, Bagyema pays school fees for his children, buys household necessities, and ensures his family has access to nutritious meals.

“I don’t regret joining this program,” he says with a smile. “My family eats enough greens and food every day. We always have sauce to serve with our meals, and I have money to cater for their needs. Shared Action Africa came into my life as a blessing.”

Beyond improving his own household, Bagyema’s success story highlights the broader impact of agricultural training in refugee settlements. Refugees often face dependency on aid, limited economic opportunities, and food insecurity. By equipping individuals like Bagyema with practical skills and resources, organizations such as Shared Action Africa foster resilience, independence, and dignity.

Agricultural empowerment also creates ripple effects in the community. Fresh produce like cabbage, sukuma wiki, and African eggplant are not only consumed by families but also sold in local markets, contributing to food security and stimulating small-scale trade in the settlements. This helps refugees shift from being aid recipients to active contributors to local economies.

The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Uganda hosts over 1.5 million refugees, with settlements like Nakivale being home to thousands. Ensuring their self-reliance through agriculture and livelihood projects is key to both survival and long-term development.

For Bagyema, the transformation is deeply personal. From uncertainty to stability, from dependence to self-sufficiency, his garden is more than just a source of income—it is a symbol of hope.

“Farming has given me dignity,” he concludes. “I can stand proud knowing I provide for my children and my family. Shared Action Africa showed me the way, and for that, I will always be grateful.”

09 Aug
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

From Refugee to Successful Farmer in Nakivale.

Refugee Farmer Thrives in Nakivale Settlement Through Shared Action Africa’s Agricultural Skills.

In the heart of Nakivale Refugee Settlement’s Sangano Zone, a vibrant green garden stands as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of agricultural training. Here, Musabyimana Anatalia, a member of the Ingyamugambi refugee group, spends her days tending to neat rows of healthy cabbages, dodo, sukuma wiki, and chilies.

When we met her, she was busy weeding the group’s cabbage garden, her face glowing with pride as she narrated her journey.

“I appreciate Shared Action Africa for its training and agricultural skills,” she said. “We have adopted modern farming techniques. I was trained to cultivate crops in small spaces and still harvest more.”

Anatalia’s story is one of remarkable productivity. Using the techniques she learned, her cabbages now flourish, yielding over 30,000 heads per harvest. Each cabbage sells for UGX 2,500, earning her approximately UGX 75,000,000 per season.

“After collecting the money from the harvest, I use part of it to meet my family’s needs,” she explained. “The rest, I reinvest in agriculture as I prepare for the next season. My cycle continues.”

Her success is measured not only in income but also in improved living standards.

“Since I began with Shared Action Africa’s development initiatives, my family and I eat greens as we want,” she shared. “The children do not fall sick because they eat a balanced diet. We have enough food in our store, we pay school fees on time, and all the children are in school. There is peace at home.”

The transformation in her household reflects a broader change in the community. Shared Action Africa’s approach goes beyond teaching farming—it promotes cooperation, collective action, and unity among women.

“They taught women to join hands and work together for development,” Anatalia said. “We pool our efforts and establish gardens after sharing ideas and knowledge learned from the trainings.”

This collaboration among women farmers has strengthened social bonds, improved food security, and increased household incomes in Nakivale. By pooling resources and applying modern agricultural methods, they maximize harvests even on limited land.

For Anatalia, each harvest marks both an achievement and a new beginning—a step toward improving her family’s welfare while investing in a sustainable future. Her reinvestment strategy ensures farming remains both profitable and environmentally sound.

She credits much of her success to the practical nature of the training she received. Techniques such as optimal plant spacing, integrated pest management, and soil fertility improvement have enabled her to achieve exceptional yields from small plots.

Her thriving cabbage garden in Sangano is living proof that with the right skills and support, refugees can achieve food self-sufficiency and financial independence.

Anatalia also speaks with pride about the dignity that comes from self-reliance.

“I do not regret joining Shared Action Africa’s agricultural trainings,” she said firmly. “It has changed my life.”

Her story stands as an inspiring example of how targeted agricultural support can unlock the potential of refugees, transforming them into active contributors to both their families and communities. Shared Action Africa’s model demonstrates that with tools, knowledge, and opportunity, people can build sustainable livelihoods—even in the most challenging circumstances.

As Anatalia returns to her cabbage garden, her message is simple but powerful: resilience, knowledge, and collective effort can transform small plots into fields of opportunity. For her, each healthy cabbage head is more than just a product—it is a symbol of growth, stability, and hope for the future.

 

08 Jul
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

Communal Gardening

Empowering Refugee Communities Through Sustainable Agriculture: Insights from Boney Ochen

Boney Ochen, an Agribusiness and Sustainable Agriculture Expert supporting Shared Action Africa, recently delivered an inspiring message to beneficiaries following a comprehensive training on post-harvest handling techniques. The training targeted staff and community agriculture trainers within Nakivale Refugee Settlement, as part of Shared Action Africa’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security and economic empowerment in refugee-hosting communities.

“I am privileged to be part of Shared Action Africa and to contribute to training communities in Nakivale and Oruchinga Refugee Settlements,” Ochen stated. “It is truly fulfilling to know that our work is transforming lives through sustainable agriculture.” He spoke.

The training focused on post-harvest handling a critical yet often overlooked area in agricultural productivity. In Uganda and many similar contexts, poor post-harvest practices lead to significant losses in food and income. Through this initiative, communities were equipped with essential knowledge and practical skills on sustainable food production and proper post-harvest techniques.

“We taught the communities how to apply good agronomic practices, such as cultivating vegetables using keyhole gardens. Already, we are seeing increased yields and improved food quality,” Ochen added.

A unique aspect of the training was its gender-inclusive design, with a strong emphasis on empowering women. Women participants were trained on how to improve the quality of their grain, enabling them to fetch higher market prices. For instance, during the training, participants learned to sort mixed seeds—an important skill that allows them to distinguish and sell higher-quality grain at premium prices.

“These women will now return to their communities and pass on their knowledge, which we anticipate will boost household incomes, enhance food security, and promote healthy consumption,” Ochen explained.

The approach also aims to link farmers to broader value chains, including off-takers who can purchase their produce at fair prices. Participants were introduced to improved post-harvest handling technologies such as PICS bags, pallet-based grain storage, and the use of tarpaulins for proper drying—all of which reduce contamination and post-harvest losses.

“By embracing these practices, not only are we enhancing food quality and marketability, but we are also contributing to the national economy and taking meaningful steps toward poverty eradication,” Ochen concluded.

Shared Action Africa’s ongoing agricultural training programs continue to provide refugees and host communities with the tools and knowledge needed to build sustainable livelihoods—one harvest at a time.

04 Jul
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

Communal Gardening

Empowered Through Training: Nyabenda’s Journey to Agricultural Success Benadate.

Nyabenda, a refugee woman residing in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, is one of the many women whose lives have been transformed through the livelihood and empowerment programs of Shared Action Africa.

Through targeted training in agribusiness and crop value addition, Nyabenda has gained both skills and confidence to take charge of her economic future. “I received training that equipped me with skills to add value to my crops and earn more from my harvest,” Nyabenda shared with a smile. “Before this, I would sell my produce immediately after harvesting, often at very low prices. I didn’t know I could do more with what I grow.” Like many refugee women, Nyabenda initially practiced subsistence farming with limited returns. Without adequate post-harvest knowledge or market access, her efforts yielded little income. “I was working hard in my garden, but the profits were too small. I felt discouraged,” she said. “But now things have changed.” After participating in Shared Action Africa’s hands-on sessions, Nyabenda learned how to dry, package, and store her crops properly. She was also taught how to process some of her produce into marketable goods such as flour and dried vegetables. “The skills I gained are helping me earn a better income. I can now feed my family and save some money,” she proudly stated. Nyabenda also became part of a women’s farming group in her community. “We support each other. We share knowledge and even combine our produce to reach bigger markets,” she explained. “It feels good to be part of something that uplifts all of us.” Grateful for the opportunity, Nyabenda emphasized, “I have no regrets. I’m making good money from my produce. Thank you to Shared Action Africa. You gave me hope and a future.” Her story is a powerful reflection of what happens when refugee women are equipped with practical skills and supported through inclusive, community-led programs. Nyabenda’s journey is proof that with the right training and opportunity, refugee women can thrive and lead the way to sustainable change.“she said.

 

03 Jul
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

Communal Gardening

How Benadate Nyabenda Turned Her Life Around Through Savings and Training.

In the heart of Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District, a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and economic empowerment is unfolding. Benadate Nyabenda a refugee, chairperson of the Mucho Savings Group, and a proud mother has redefined her future through the power of savings, training, and community support. Her journey, made possible through programs by Shared Action Africa, is a testament to how dedication and opportunity can change lives.

Nyabenda is more than just a member of the settlement, she is a leader and an entrepreneur. Her journey began when she joined the Mucho Savings Group, established under the initiative of Shared Action Africa, an organization committed to empowering women and vulnerable communities through financial literacy and entrepreneurship training.

“Shared Action Africa changed my life. Through their training under the Savings Groups program, I learned how to save, borrow wisely, and invest in sustainable projects. I was also taught to practice modern agriculture, including maize and bean planting I even have a store for my produce. Additionally, I rear animals such as pigs, goats, and cows, and I specialize in poultry farming, raising chickens for both meat and eggs at a zero-grazing farm. Shared Action Africa provided us with plates for collecting money, books for recording our savings, and savings boxes for keeping our money safe. They found us in a very difficult situation we didn’t even know what savings groups were. They gave us some capital for the group, which we could borrow and return. Today, thanks to their continuous training, we have become experts,” she shares with a smile.

Before joining the group, Nyabenda, like many women in the settlement, struggled with unstable income and limited financial knowledge. But the training she received equipped her with vital skills in savings, budgeting, and investment. With just UGX 1,000 as her starting capital, she laid the foundation for what would become a thriving livelihood.

The Mucho Savings Group quickly became her financial anchor. Through it, she was able to save and access loans, which she invested in agriculture. She started by planting maize, taking advantage of the fertile soils in Isingiro District. As her harvests improved, so did her ventures. She now processes and sells maize flour, and supplies maize seeds to both farmers and traders for food processing. Her agricultural efforts have grown into a key source of income and stability.

But Nyabenda didn’t stop there. With increased confidence and ongoing support from Shared Action Africa, she expanded into animal husbandry. Today, she rears goats, pigs, hens, and cows. Through training in animal care and farm management, she established paddocks to ensure her animals remain healthy and productive. The livestock not only ensures food security for her family but also provides a consistent income stream, enabling her to pay school fees, cover household expenses, and continue saving.

“I never imagined I would one day own a zero-grazing farm, rear animals, and even run a retail shop. Shared Action Africa taught me to believe in the power of savings and hard work. I am now able to save UGX 600,000 every month after all my expenses. That is something I never thought possible as a refugee,” she says.

One of her proudest achievements is her retail shop in Nakivale Settlement. After working on her farm during the day, she manages the shop, which also functions as her business office. From being financially insecure to overseeing multiple income-generating ventures, Nyabenda’s story is nothing short of inspirational.

Her journey represents more than personal success it highlights the power of community-led development and the transformative impact of empowering women. Nyabenda now serves as a role model in the refugee community, encouraging others to take charge of their futures.

“To my fellow refugees, especially the women who are still unsure, I tell them: don’t wait. Join a savings group. Believe in yourself. I started with just UGX 1,000 and look at me now. You don’t need a big capital; you need the courage to start,” she advises.

Nyabenda Thanks Shared Action Africa. “I no longer see myself as just a refugee. I am a businesswoman, a provider, and a leader. They have helped me move beyond the pain of displacement and focus on the possibilities ahead,” she adds.

Nyabenda’s story illustrates the transformative power of financial inclusion and grassroots support systems. Through her leadership in the Mucho Savings Group, she continues to inspire other women in Nakivale to dream bigger, save consistently, and invest wisely.

Shared Action Africa plays a vital role in reshaping the narrative of refugees not as passive victims, but as active contributors to local economies. By investing in community-based initiatives like savings groups and entrepreneurship training, they pave the way for self-reliance and sustainable development.

“Savings are the seeds of dreams. I planted mine with UGX 1,000, and today, I harvest a future I never thought I could have,” says Nyabenda.

Nyabenda shared her future plans: “We want to start a group business that will provide emergency funds for members, so that anyone in need can access money, when necessary,” she said.

Her message is simple but powerful: Start small, believe in yourself, and stay committed because every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to a brighter tomorrow, “she said.

03 Jul
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

Communal Gardening

Shared Action Africa Helped Us Escape Poverty Through Farming and Savings – Ainembabazi Janet

Meet Ainembabazi Janet, a proud member of the Umoja Ni Nguvu Group and a refugee in Nakivale Settlement, Isingiro District. With the support of Shared Action Africa, she discovered the power of saving and investing—especially for women. This empowerment enabled her to transition from poverty to development.

She embraced a culture of saving and invested in agriculture, particularly tomato farming. Today, she has a thriving tomato garden expected to earn over UGX 6 million. By applying the knowledge and skills gained from Shared Action Africa, Janet and her group members now produce high-quality crops and use proper post-harvest handling techniques, including appropriate storage and harvesting methods, to maintain quality.

“My name is Ainembabazi Janet, and I am a member of Umoja Ni Nguvu Group. We sincerely appreciate Shared Action Africa for its tremendous support. Through its programs, we have learned how to save as women. Shared Action Africa opened our eyes to the possibility of moving from poverty to development. We adopted the culture of saving and invested our savings in agriculture. Today, we specialize in tomato growing, and we are proud to say that we have a healthy, beautiful tomato garden that promises us a good income after harvesting. By following the advice and applying the skills we were taught by Shared Action Africa, we are now able to produce quality products. From our current garden, we expect to earn over UGX 6 million after the harvest. We are committed to applying the post-harvest handling skills we learned, including proper storage and harvesting techniques, to maintain the quality of our produce. All the knowledge, skills, and progress we have achieved are thanks to Shared Action Africa. Through its savings groups and climate resilience programs, we have realized significant improvements in our lives, breaking free from the grip of poverty. I see a great change in my life and that of my family, we are now part of a successful business. Shared Action Africa empowered us women to realize that we, too, can develop ourselves without depending on our husbands. Using money from our savings group, we hire land, grow cash crops, and after harvesting, we divide the income among ourselves. This enables us to solve family issues like paying school fees and providing basic needs for our children. The remaining money is used to buy animals such as cows and goats, which serve as assets for the future. These animals are kept under zero grazing, and as they reproduce, we continue to sell and earn more income. We truly appreciate Shared Action Africa for empowering women and showing us our value through its development programs. It united us for a common goal — growth and self-reliance. We are now over 50 women in this group, all of whom are trained, skilled, and engaged in agriculture. We even maintain kitchen gardens, and the organization continuously supports us. Whenever we need anything for our farms, we reach out and receive support promptly. Currently, our major challenge is water. Our garden is very large, but we do not have a generator to pump water. Water scarcity is a big issue in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. The generator we are currently using is hired and costly, both in terms of rental and transport. We also lack pesticides to spray our crops. However, we have already informed the Shared Action Africa team, and we are confident they will support us soon. We are proud, modern, and empowered women of this new generation, thanks to Shared Action Africa. We have even expanded to growing cabbages, and we already have a market. Traders from nearby towns like Isingiro and Mbarara come directly to our garden to buy our cabbages, and we make good money. Personally, I have greatly benefited from Shared Action Africa’s initiatives. I used my savings and income from agriculture to start a side business selling fish. Fish is a highly demanded food in the settlement and nearby towns like Mbarara and Isingiro. I have a stall in the settlement, and customers also come to my home for bulk purchases. This business earns me over UGX 600,000 per month. Shared Action Africa regularly checks on us, follows up on our progress, and continues to guide us along our development journey. I am now financially independent and can comfortably meet my needs. As a refugee, I no longer stress about money. At home, we never lack food. We now realize our value as women. We have learned that we are important members of society, and we can live meaningful lives — even without support from men,” Janet said.

16 Mar
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

Empowering Health Workers

Arinda Isaac’s story | Empowering Health Workers to Provide Youth Friendly SRHR Services.

Increasing the utilization of sexual and reproductive services is greatly dependent on the positive attitude of the health workers towards its provision to young people of ages 15-24. It is for this reason that Shared Action Africa is amplifying the contribution made by Isaac Arinda, a health worker and advocate for increased utilization and access of sexual and reproductive care of adolescents and young people at Nshungyezi HCIII in Oruchinga refugee settlement. Prior to receiving specialized training, Isaac had a very poor attitude towards adolescents and young people that sought sexual and reproductive care at the health facility where he worked. Like other members of his community, he though that providing contraceptives to young people was tantamount to promoting promiscuity among these age group. However, after the training he provided, it was he has been one of the biggest advocates for adolescent sexual and reproductive rights among his peers.

“As health workers, we often are not interested in helping young people access sexual and reproductive health care due to our own personal biases, beliefs, and prejudices. Prior to my training on adolescent sexual and reproductive health care and rights, I was among those health workers would decline to serve young people because I believed I would be perpetuating moral decadency in our community. However, after learning that access and use of SRHR services is a human right, but also that it works as a preventive measure against several societal evils such as unplanned and teenage pregnancies, I was won over.

It is for this reason, that when the first youth friendly space was established at Nshungyezi health facility, I applied to be the person in charge of managing this space. I am therefore happy to be working in partnership with Shared Action Africa to provide counselling to the youth and I feel honored to be the person privileged to pilot such as initiative that will have a lasting impact among our communities. This is because when young people are offered an opportunity to access services and information concerning their reproductive health, we would be mitigating against early childhood pregnancies and are rampant in the settlement.

I am confident this will happen gradually because I am part of the team that is promoting voluntary family planning among young people, and also encourage them to not only conduct regular testing for HIV, but also advise them to always use protection whenever they uninformed about their partner’s HIV status. However, for those that find themselves in a situation where they have had unprotected sex, we provide them with not only emergency contraceptive but also encourage them to seek Prep treatment to prevent HIV infection.

However, while we have established a youth friendly corner at Nshungezi HCIII, we need further support to help equip it so that young people are encouraged to come and come interact with others as they are counselled on their sexual and reproductive health care and rights as well as receive services that meet their needs. There has been an integration of youth friendly services in outreaches as this gives the youth a chance to confidently show up and participate in health education talks. We have also allocated Saturdays as a special day for them to attend to the youth. “

05 Feb
Climate Justice, Economic Empowerment

Communal Gardening

Communal Gardening | Women’s Economic Empowerment and Food Security

We are committed to promoting sustainable access to enough food, proper nutrition and incomes for refugee women. Through forming collectives advocating for increased allocation to land as a resource of production, refugee women are able to influence strategies and policies to promote their livelihood. From allocation of land plots from 40 by 80 feet to at least three quarters to an acre for agricultural production, refugee women are achieving such results through engaging duty bearers. Through advocacy actions such as developing strategies, tactics in engaging duty bearers, submitting petitions and follow up, refugee women are evolving into leaders that are influencing their communities in Nakivale refugee settlement.

“With the increased allocation to land, I am able to practice better methods of farming and resultantly improve my production for food security and nutrition as well as income generation,” 41-year-old Julie (DRC) caretaker of 7 family members.”

05 Feb
Climate Justice

Monique’s Story

Monique’s Story | Sustainable Energy and Climate Justice

SAA supported 10 refugee women in Nakivale Refugee Settlement with cook stoves to promote the use of energy efficient cook stoves given the limited access to fuel in the settlement.

26-year-old Monique mother of two and a refugee from Rwanda was among the beneficiaries who testify that having a cookstove has reduced the amount of effort in terms of time and energy she puts into preparing meals.

‘’My name is Monique Makengo. Through the trainings and support from Shared Action Africa, I saved up UGX 800,000 which I used to buy the energy saving stove. I was tired of using firewood for cooking and it was becoming scarce with the high rate of cutting of trees in the settlement. I used to walk long distances (about 3 Kms) to get firewood in that I had to close my shop; this made me lose out on income during this time. In addition, I had no one to leave my three young children with hence I had to request neighbors to keep them whenever I went to get firewood. so that I can stop using firewood for cooking. I also had to wake up in very early in the morning at times which was uncomfortable and very tiring.

With the cook stove, I don’t have to go through all the trouble since I use one bag of saw dust. I also spend less i.e. from UGX 88,000 on fuel to UGX 10,000 on saw dust per month. In addition, the cook stove is less straining in lighting up. I use less time to prepare meals from 4.5 hours to at least 3 hours a day. I use this time for my business and spending time with my saving group as we learn different things. I also get to boil our drinking water which was not the case before since I was sparing the firewood. The cook stove is also smoke free which makes the cooking experience a delight. There is such a high demand for these stoves in my community especially among the women due to their health benefits as well as their cost effectiveness.

Though it may seem like a small item, this cook stove has changed my life in so many ways. I am grateful to Shared Action Africa for this support.”

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