Celebrating 45 Years of Giving Hope
LWF Uganda’s Remarkable Journey
This year marks a significant milestone for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Uganda as it celebrates 45 years of unwavering service and compassion. Since its establishment in 1979, LWF Uganda has evolved from a humanitarian response to crises into a trusted partner for sustainable development, peacebuilding, and protection. This anniversary is not just a celebration of time but a tribute to the millions of lives transformed through LWF's commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity.
A Humanitarian Response that Sparked a Movement
LWF's journey in Uganda began at a time of severe crisis. In response to the famine and insecurity in Karamoja region in 1979, LWF, in partnership with the Church of Uganda (COU) and the World Council of Churches (WCC), initiated emergency relief efforts that included the distribution of food, medicine, and essential supplies. By 1981, these efforts grew into the Karamoja Emergency Development Program (KEDP), a forward-looking initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance through sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.
Reflecting on LWF’s call to service in Uganda, Adriana Franco Chitanana the Country Representative shared "Our presence in Uganda began out of necessity, driven by the dire needs of communities in crisis. What started as emergency relief has blossomed into a long-term commitment to resilience; empowerment of women, youth and children; and social cohesion within and across the communities we serve. Today, we are proud of how far we’ve come, and we continue our contribution with hope and determination."
Key Milestones and Achievements: 45 Years of Impact
The past 45 years have seen LWF Uganda at the forefront of numerous humanitarian and development interventions. Some notable milestones include:
West Nile Returnee Resettlement (1983-1989): Assisted over 123,000 Ugandan returnees from exile, providing relief items like food, water, medication, clothes, and blankets and helping to rebuild infrastructure.
Rakai Rehabilitation and Development (1990-1999): Focused on education and HIV/AIDS counseling, this initiative led to the construction and rehabilitation of schools and classrooms, transforming the lives of those affected by the HIV epidemic.
Kagera River Body Recovery Project (1994): Following the Rwandan Genocide, LWF helped recover bodies along the Kagera River, preventing water contamination in Lake Victoria and providing relief to affected communities.
Sudan resettlement and reintegration project (2000-2005): Through ACT and LWF Uganda/Sudan program provided Non-Food Items (NFIs), food, and HIV/AIDS awareness programs. In 2004, over 82 metric tons of food relief were distributed to 7,470 people in Torit County, both to returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Katakwi emergency response project (2004): provided support to IDPs in Katakwi district in the form of safe drinking water, constructing sanitation facilities, supporting hygiene education, NFI distribution, and food relief. Under this project, 29 new boreholes were drilled and 43 rehabilitated to provide safe water to over 21,000 IDPs.
Rights-Based Approach (2010): LWF introduced this approach to tackle structural inequities and empower marginalized groups, enabling them to advocate for their rights.
Responding to Changing Needs
LWF Uganda’s programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of the country, particularly in response to the growing refugee population. From supporting South Sudanese and Rwandan refugees in the 1990s to more recent interventions for Congolese and Sudanese refugees, LWF has ensured protection, education, and livelihood support to foster dignity and resilience.
Its approach to sustainable livelihoods has been particularly transformative, with initiatives that promote income generation through farming, carpentry, and livestock rearing among others. Environmental sustainability has also been a cornerstone of LWF’s interventions, with programs designed to restore ecosystems, promote eco-friendly farming, and reduce deforestation.
Mrs Chitanana emphasized LWF’s adaptability saying, "our ability to pivot and respond to emerging crises has been a key factor in our success. Whether it’s addressing the urgent needs of refugees or supporting local development, LWF Uganda has always been about empowering communities to thrive, even in the face of adversity."
This however wouldn’t have been made possible without the support of the host communities. Mrs. Chitanana reechoed the role of the host communities saying, "Uganda’s host communities have been instrumental in the success of refugee integration. Their willingness to share resources, land, and opportunities has created a unique environment of coexistence. We’ve seen firsthand how this generosity fosters peace and stability, benefiting both refugees and the host populations. At LWF, we are committed to supporting this collaboration and ensuring that host communities also reap the benefits of development."
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Strengthening Partnerships
As LWF looks to the future, the focus remains on sustainability and resilience. With climate change and the continuously rising number of refugees posing new challenges, LWF aims to expand its climate resilience programs and further integrate sustainable livelihood support in communities across Uganda. The organization also plans to continue advocating for refugee rights and gender equality, working closely with the Ugandan government, UNHCR, and other partners to influence policies and improve service delivery.
"Uganda’s progressive refugee policy is one of the most inclusive in the world allowing refugees the right to work, move freely, and access social services, which are critical to building self-reliance. This approach has not only protected millions of lives but has also empowered refugees to contribute to the country’s economy and development. LWF is proud to work within this policy framework, helping refugees and host communities alike to thrive," said Mrs. Chitanana.
"Our next phase is about strengthening partnerships, enhancing resilience to climate change, and promoting inclusive growth. Together with our partners, we will continue to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind," said Mrs. Chitanana.
A Renewed Commitment
As LWF Uganda celebrates its 45th anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to serving the most vulnerable. This journey, shaped by resilience and collaboration, has left an indelible mark on Uganda. With gratitude for its past and hope for the future, LWF remains dedicated to ensuring that justice, peace, and dignity are accessible to all, especially those who need it most.
