DR Congo – Uganda: Work kits and training to build a new life

Bahati Maneno (26), the guardian, and his adopted son Issa (17): "We both lost our parents to the violence in North Kivu". © Esther Ruth Mbabazi

28/06/2022

Uganda is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. Although many live in poverty, the population does what it can to accommodate refugees with dignity. However, the lack of employment opportunities is a major problem. Caritas is helping to find solutions, especially for the most vulnerable refugees from DR Congo. Bahati, Issa, Justine speak from Kyangwali, a refugee settlement near the Congolese border*.

Bahati and Issa: more than a host family

Caritas International supports ‘guardian families’ among those who come to Kyangwali from DR Congo. Like Bahati Maneno, who looks after 17-year-old Issa Barijunaki.

Bahati explains, “When I met Issa, I realised we shared the same story: we both lost our parents to the violence in North Kivu. Issa was all alone and living in very difficult conditions. I didn’t have the means to help him. Finally, Caritas supported us and we can now live together as a family“.

Issa, a 17-year-old who came alone from DR Congo. ©Esther Ruth Mbabazi

With the help of Caritas International, Bahati was able to set up his own chapati bakery in Kyangwali. Now he is saving up to open a tea shop. “Caritas has given us hope. Issa is happy, he goes to school. And my business is growing“.

Issa wants to continue studying and later on would like to become a driver. During the school holidays, he helps Bahati with is business: “Thanks to Caritas, I can go to school, Bahati and I can provide for our basic needs and we have become a family“.

I make a donation for Congolese refugees

Justine and her mother: a tight-knit group provides a social safety net

Together with her mother, Justine Uwimana founded the Upendo group in Kyangwali. With the help and advice of Caritas International, the group was able to start a cooperative business. Justine and her mother started with farming and making baby clothes. Since then, Upendo has grown to a group of about 30 members, all of whom are of Congolese origin.

Caritas provided training, work kits and support, which now enable members to grow aubergines, cassava and cabbage, and to plant guava and mango trees. Thanks to an innovative system and despite the drought, they are also able to grow mushrooms, of which wine production could follow.

©Esther Ruth Mbabazi

We decided to involve the community to support each other and to build something together

Justine Uwimama (in the front)

Upendo has developed a savings and loan system to invest the profits and provide a safety net for members and the refugee community. And Justine has other plans: “I have just graduated as a nursery school teacher. I would like to teach children from all over the community, both Congolese and Ugandans“.

With your support, we can help even more refugee groups to earn a living. A first step towards the realisation of their dreams in Uganda.

Support our structural assistance to the most vulnerable people

In Kyangwali, Congolese refugees are welcomed with dignity, but the needs remain great.

Caritas International supports the creation of mini-enterprises to help them find a source of income. This is only possible with your support. In this way, you help these people to help themselves. Your solidarity is particularly important for the most vulnerable: unaccompanied children and minors, young girls and single mothers, people living with disabilities.

With 38 euros, you “sponsor” the professional training of a young refugee.
With 68 euros, we provide this young person with a work kit including the materials to start their own business after the training.
A full package – the training and work kit – costs 106 euros. This way you support a young refugee towards being completely economically independent.

Thanks to you, the most vulnerable Congolese refugees in Uganda are building a future.

Thank you for your help. Every donation is welcome. Make your donation today via our online platform or by transferring to BE 88 0000 0000 4141, with the communication “4178 Congo”.

In Uganda, refugees are accommodated in settlements rather than camps. They are given a plot of land to cultivate and are allowed to work and travel. The objective? Greater autonomy and better integration with the host community.