About Us

As someone who has spent two years working with PALM Corps in Northern Uganda, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges faced by rural communities. However, a closer look at national development efforts revealed a concerning disparity: aid wasn’t reaching all regions equally. While areas like Northern Uganda and Kalamoja, scarred by the Lord’s Resistance Army conflict and locust infestations, understandably received significant support, Southwestern Uganda, my home region, seemed overlooked.

According to a 2022 report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics titled “Regional Trends in Public Sector Investments in Uganda,” southwestern Uganda received only 44% of development aid per capita compared to 61% in regions like West Nile and Karamoja (UBOS, 2022). This disparity translates to tangible challenges for communities. A glaring disparity in access to agricultural resources plagues Rukungiri, where farmers struggle with just 12 meager shops to serve the entire district. In stark contrast, Arua boasts a thriving network of over 100 agro-input shops (Ministry of Agriculture, Annual Report 2022). Similarly, healthcare services are often kilometers away, leaving many residents without proper medical attention.

This, coupled with the devastating impact of climate change on predominantly agricultural and livestock-rearing communities, pushes a significant portion of the population below the poverty line.

The saying “Gamba Nogu,” meaning “speak with this one,” sadly rings false in many aspects. While the perception exists that southwestern Uganda enjoys an advantage due to the president’s origin, the reality is far bleaker. The struggles of our youth, who resort to alcohol and gambling due to a lack of opportunity, paint a poignant picture of unmet needs.

This is where Nimarungi Rural Development Initiative (NIRUDI) steps in. Founded in 2023, NIRUDI is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to tackling the challenges faced by rural communities in southwestern Uganda. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and prosperous life, and we are dedicated to helping rural communities reach their full potential.

NIRUDI’s inspiration comes from countless individuals like Marlyn Somers, a resident of Scotland who, through her charity Uganda Aid Person to Person, has touched countless lives in my village. Seeing her dedication to our community from afar ignited a fire within me to take action, knowing that even small efforts can make a significant difference.

We invite you to join us in this endeavor. Whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, your contribution can empower communities, uplift lives, and build a brighter future for our region.