Otuke, Uganda | Women and youth in Otuke District have praised Fountain of Life Uganda for equipping them with skills that are helping them overcome poverty and build sustainable livelihoods.
Through a series of community trainings, beneficiaries say they are gaining practical skills, financial independence and confidence, which are gradually transforming their households and communities.
The remarks were made on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held at a farm in Oget Ward, Otuke Town Council, where participants shared testimonies on how the organisation’s interventions have improved their lives.
Florence Otongo from Ogor Sub-county said the trainings have empowered many women economically and contributed to reducing cases of gender-based violence in the area.
She explained that women who previously depended entirely on their spouses are now earning income through small businesses and farming activities, which has improved family relations and household stability.
Evaline Lenga from Orum Sub-county said the skills she gained from the organisation have enabled her to start selling tomatoes, which now helps her contribute to household needs.
“I can now buy basic items like cooking oil, onions, salt and soap. It helps me support my husband and brings peace in the home,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mary Ogwel from Ogor Sub-county, said training in kitchen gardening has enabled her to grow vegetables throughout the year, ensuring food security for her family regardless of seasonal changes.
Jannet Otee Richard, a mother of 11 from Orum Sub-county, said the programme has significantly improved her livelihood.
She noted that her tomato project now earns her about Shs200,000 or more per harvest.
“The training transformed my life. Before joining the programme, I struggled to feed my family and pay school fees, but now the tomato project helps me support my children’s education, medical bills and even save,” she said.
Jino Lenga, one of the programme facilitators, said the organisation’s work is already yielding positive results across the district.
“We are witnessing real transformation in the lives of vulnerable women and youth. Families are becoming economically stable and communities are improving,” he said, calling for continued support to expand the programme.
The Executive Director of Fountain of Life Uganda, Molly Bella Akello, appealed to development partners, cultural and religious institutions as well as government officials to support their mission.
“With more partnerships and resources, we can reach more vulnerable women and youth and strengthen community resilience,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hadewijch Klaassen, a consultant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, commended the organisation for its community impact.
She described the NGO as a “beacon of hope” and encouraged it to build partnerships with organisations in other regions, including West Nile, to expand its outreach.
Founded in 2012, Fountain of Life Uganda operates in several districts, including Otuke, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, economic empowerment, education and human rights initiatives targeting marginalized communities, particularly women and youth.
