Behind every project are real people whose lives have been transformed. Here are three stories from the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement that remind us why this work matters.
Caroline’s Story: From Conflict to Partnership
Kyalimpa Caroline is a 49-year-old mother of twelve from the Rwamwanja community. For years, her home was marked by Gender-Based Violence. Her husband refused to allow her to participate in their family’s agricultural business and opposed her joining any community women’s groups.
But Caroline persisted.
When ADRA introduced the REAL Project in her community, she seized the opportunity and joined one of the groups. Through the training she received, she learned about preventing GBV, mutual respect in the home, smart agriculture, and nutrition. The knowledge gave her not just skills — it gave her confidence.
Inspired by what she was learning, Caroline began sharing the lessons with her husband. To her surprise, he was receptive. He not only embraced the training but eventually joined the group himself.
Today, Caroline and her husband run their agricultural business together as true partners. She manages the garden in his absence, supports their twelve children with school fees and scholastic materials, and has seen her family grow both financially and in unity.
“My home has achieved very big development — in both finances and collaboration as a family. All of this wouldn’t have been possible if ADRA didn’t come to my rescue,” she says.
Dan’s Story: A Loan That Planted a Future
Mugisha Dan is a husband and father of four from the Bakwatanisa Savings Group. When he participated in REAL Project training on best farming practices, saving, and loans, he left with more than knowledge — he left with a plan.
Dan took out a loan of 1.5 million Ugandan Shillings and put it to work. He invested in a coffee plantation, purchased agricultural pesticides, hired labour, and brought in manure to enrich his land. The remainder went into his store business and a mobile money enterprise.
The results have been life-changing. Dan is now able to pay his children’s school fees, provide his family with diverse and nutritious meals, and continue growing his businesses.
“I really appreciate the ADRA staff for their tireless support towards our wellbeing. Thank you so much,” he says.
Constansiyo’s Story: A Group That Built Its Own Future
Kyomukama Constansiyo serves as Chairperson of the Sweswe Bakyala Tukwatanisa group — a women’s savings group that attended ADRA’s Smart Climate Agriculture training under the REAL Project.
Through the project, the group received funding to hire land and begin farming. By the end of the season, they had generated enough income to take their next steps — and they did not stop there. The group launched a catering business, purchased a plot of land, and began offering loans to their own members to further improve their livelihoods.
What started as a training opportunity has grown into a self-sustaining community enterprise, driven entirely by the women themselves.
“We really appreciate ADRA for their support. May the Lord bless you — thank you so much,” Constansiyo shares on behalf of her group.
A Shared Thread
Caroline, Dan, and Constansiyo come from different walks of life — but their stories share the same thread. With the right support, the right training, and a community to belong to, people do not just survive. They transform.
This is the legacy of the REAL Project.