Re:BUiLD, KCCA, and RGF Partner for Sustainability
Re:BUiLD, KCCA, and RGF Partner for Sustainability
Re:BUiLD, KCCA, and RGF Partner for Sustainability
Frank Mufano, a Congolese refugee, making an energy efficient cook stove. Under a partnership between Raising Gabdho Foundation (RGF) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC)’s Re:BUiLD program, Frank was introduced to renewable energy technologies of making energy efficient stoves. The stoves contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and the overall carbon footprint. (PHOTO: Lutaaya Shafic, RGF).
The International Rescue Committee’s Refugees in East Africa: Boosting Urban Innovation for Livelihoods Development (Re:BUiLD) program has partnered with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Raising Gabdho Foundation (RGF) to implement a climate-smart livelihoods initiative. Over the next 12 months- starting in 2025, KCCA and RGF will leverage their expertise to train 500 urban refugees and hosts in Kampala in urban farming techniques, including: mushroom growing, organic manure production using black soldier fly waste management, and creating eco-friendly energy sources such as briquettes.
The Re:BUiLD program envisions this partnership fostering sustainable urban farming practices that generate income for refugees and vulnerable hosts in Kampala. The initiative aims to ensure that best practices are adopted by both government and local non-governmental organizations even after the program concludes.
“Part of our reason for engaging KCCA is the sustainability element,” says Moses Odokonyero, the Senior Program Manager for Re:BUiLD in Uganda. He added that KCCA’s existing demonstration farm in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb indicates the Government of Uganda’s commitment to adopting program practices for the future.
The collaboration between Re:BUiLD and KCCA has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, KCCA received in-kind grants in the form of ICT equipment to equip its Kabagala Youth Center, where urban youths learn videography and photography skills. In 2023, the program supported the City Authority with office supplies to facilitate the registration process for savings groups.
“Through our in-kind grants approach, we built new relationships and learned about KCCA’s urban demonstration farm in Kyanja and other services that could support urban refugees. Our collaboration has also seen KCCA working with the Nairobi City Council Authority (NCCG), where they jointly pledged at the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) to integrate urban refugee response into their programs. This partnership represents cumulative growth over the years,” said Mr Odokonyero.
Godwin Gumisiriza, the KCCA Manager for Welfare and Community Services, expressed gratitude towards the Government of Uganda for being a frontrunner in responding to refugee crises. He noted that the Re:BUiLD collaboration aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan Four (NDP IV), which mandates all ministries to have refugee-inclusive programs.
RGF, a long-term implementer of the Re:BUiLD urban farming activity, hopes the collaboration with KCCA will ease the challenges refugees face in accessing markets to sell their produce.
“This initiative is a breakthrough, allowing refugee entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, connect with customers, and better understand market needs. It represents a significant step toward economic empowerment and integration for refugees in Kampala,” said Sarah Basemera, the RGF Team Leader.
