In western Uganda, the project code-named “Making Oil Work for Poor People in Uganda” project emerged as a beacon of hope for rural communities neighbouring national parks, wildlife, and forest reserves in the Hoima, Buliisa, and Masindi districts. Implemented in partnership with the Living Earth Foundation UK and funded by Comic Relief, the project focused on developing eco-enterprises to improve the livelihoods of these communities.
The project’s overall objective was to support and expand existing biodiversity entrepreneurial ventures, such as bird-guiding and eco-tourism, while also fostering new enterprises like butterfly farming, silkworm production, and the productive use of degraded land. By mobilizing private sector support for green business development and encouraging community-based monitoring of oil and gas impacts, the project aimed to create sustainable economic opportunities.
To achieve these goals, the project engaged in several key activities. It raised awareness about Revenue Sharing Agreement (RSA) funds and provided training on accessing these funds and developing project proposals. Training sessions were held for social venture enterprises and leadership of community-based groups, focusing on women and youth in areas near national parks and reserves. These sessions included functional skills training, hands-on learning in various skill areas, and life skills training to foster an entrepreneurial spirit.
Furthermore, the project delivered training on raising enterprise start-up capital through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA), marketing, and customer care. Leadership training covered lobbying, negotiation, advocacy, and community representation, equipping participants with the skills needed to lead and advocate for their communities effectively.
By the time of reporting, the project had achieved several significant milestones. It had completed a feasibility study and scoping exercise for rural enterprises and conducted a training needs analysis (TNA) for rural enterprise development. Additionally, calls for proposals for consultancy services to deliver training activities for rural enterprise development had been advertised, setting the stage for further progress.
Through these efforts, the “Making Oil Work for Poor People in Uganda” project demonstrated its commitment to empowering rural communities and helping them harness the economic potential of their natural resources while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly business practices.