Lira, Uganda — The Lango Cluster, a coalition of three prominent organizations—SOHURA Foundation, FIDRA Development Initiative, and Lango Resilience Foundation (LAREF)—has embarked on an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering youth through digitalization and community development.
The program, titled “Empowering Youth through Data and Community Development” (EYDCD), is currently being implemented across the district with a focus on enhancing safety, education, and economic opportunities for young people.
The core value of this project involves integrating two critical programs: Prevention of Violence Against Children (PVAC) and the Adolescence Girl Power Project (AGGP). These initiatives are designed to create safer environments for children and girls by leveraging digital tools to strengthen community engagement, peer mentorship, and resource accessibility.
A significant aspect of the program targets digitalizing 30 parent Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) groups involved in PVAC activities, alongside six AGGP groups operating as safe spaces. This digital transformation aims to streamline communication, improve financial management, and facilitate data collection for better monitoring and evaluation.
The rollout has already seen successful meetings held with Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs), peer mentors, and VSLA groups across three sub-counties within Lira District—Aromo Ayami and Agweng, These gatherings focused on familiarizing stakeholders with digital tools and fostering collaboration among community members to maximize the program’s impact.
Addressing the media on March 16, 2026, Mr. Ziegler Bobson Ojede of the Lango Cluster expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s potential. He praised the leadership involved in organizing these engagements and highlighted the importance of embracing digital solutions in community development efforts. “This initiative is not just about technology; it’s about transforming lives,” Ojede stated. “By empowering our youth with skills and safe spaces, we are building resilient communities capable of tackling violence and promoting gender equality.”
Furthermore, Ojede extended gratitude to the supporting organizations—gnuGrid and CRVPF—for their vital roles in financing and facilitating the project. Their support has been instrumental in creating employment opportunities for Ugandan youth while fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance.
Local community leaders also shared their positive outlooks on the program. A CBF from Aromo sub-county congratulated Lango Cluster’s leadership for organizing vibrant meetings that have galvanized local efforts towards youth empowerment. Beneficiaries are encouraged to actively participate in the digitalization process to unlock new avenues for personal growth and community development.
As Uganda continues its push towards a knowledge-based economy, projects like those spearheaded by the Lango Cluster exemplify how grassroots-level interventions can drive meaningful change. By combining community engagement with innovative digital strategies, this initiative promises to set a precedent for similar programs across East Africa.
In conclusion, the Lango Cluster’s commitment to digitizing youth-focused programs underscores a broader vision of inclusive growth—where technology serves as a catalyst for safer communities, empowered youth, and resilient futures. As these efforts unfold across Lira City and Lira District, many anticipate a ripple effect that will inspire other regions to adopt similar models for sustainable development.
