Heifer International and the Rotary Clubs of Uganda have entered a new partnership aimed at transforming livelihoods in rural communities, with a strong focus on agriculture, environmental conservation, and the empowerment of women and youth.
The Memorandum of Understanding brings together Heifer’s technical expertise in sustainable agriculture and livestock development with Rotary’s vast grassroots network built over decades of community service.
The alliance is expected to expand support to vulnerable communities, particularly smallholder farmers operating within livestock and agricultural value chains, while advancing sustainable income generation and environmental stewardship.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Heifer International Uganda Country Director William Matovu described the partnership as a significant step toward scaling impact.
“This partnership gives us an opportunity to reach more farming communities in a sustainable way, while staying true to our mission of caring for both people and the environment,” Matovu said.
He noted that Rotary’s deep community presence and resource base would play a critical role in amplifying outreach and improving service delivery.
“Real, lasting change comes from strong partnerships like this. We are excited about what lies ahead,” he added.
Under the collaboration, the two organisations will jointly implement initiatives in environmental protection and community economic development, with women and youth at the centre of the interventions.
Rotary District 9214 Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule said the partnership builds on Rotary’s long-standing legacy in Uganda and presents a fresh opportunity to deepen impact.
“For over 70 years, Rotary has been serving communities in Uganda. This partnership will strengthen that legacy and deliver meaningful results,” Kitakule said.
He underscored the central role of women and young people in driving sustainable development.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a community. Our focus will be on women and youth as key agents of change,” he said.
Kitakule also pointed to Rotary’s track record in supporting livelihoods through agriculture and community-based programmes aimed at improving household incomes.
The partnership aligns with Heifer International’s broader strategy to strengthen competitiveness in dairy, poultry, and other agricultural value chains, while promoting sustainable incomes for smallholder farmers.
In recent years, Heifer has increasingly prioritised environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development, particularly programmes that actively engage women and youth in agriculture and enterprise.
With both organisations combining their strengths, the collaboration is expected to widen outreach, strengthen farmer resilience, and create new opportunities for communities to participate in sustainable agriculture.
Ultimately, the partners say the initiative is about more than projects—it is about accelerating efforts to tackle poverty, hunger, and economic vulnerability in Uganda’s rural communities.
