The Mungu Feni Foundation has officially launched the Weaving Hope Project, a comprehensive youth and women empowerment initiative in the West Nile region, aimed at equipping beneficiaries with practical vocational skills and opening pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
The launch took place in Arua District, drawing community leaders, development partners, and local officials to witness the milestone. The initiative focuses on vocational training, advocacy, networking, inclusion, and growth opportunities as key pillars for community empowerment.
The project will initially target over 360 beneficiaries in Anzu Parish, with women making up 70% and men 30%, ranging in age from 16 to 48 years. Priority is given to widows, school dropouts, unemployed youth, orphans, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in the region.
Speaking at the launch, Benard Feni, founder of the foundation, explained that the project was developed after extensive consultations in Anju and Nyio Parishes under the UNNGOF Change the Game Program match funding framework.
“This initiative is designed to tackle both immediate and long-term barriers to economic inclusion,” Feni said. “We are committed to uplifting our community through skills that lead to livelihoods, dignity, and self-sufficiency.”
The 12-month project will unfold in phases: Inception and Mobilisation, Capacity Building, Advocacy and Civic Engagement, and finally, Sustainability and Exit strategies.
The focus on practical skills aligns with national priorities on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a strategic driver for employment and economic growth. TVET reforms, including the TVET Act 2025, emphasize industry-linked, competency-based training to ensure graduates are workforce-ready.
Uganda is also implementing a TVET Qualifications Framework to recognize both formal and informal skills nationwide.
At the launch, Alfred Okuonzi, Arua District LC V Chairman, praised the foundation’s efforts and pledged full support from the district leadership. Other officials in attendance included Asubo Juliet (Community Development Officer, Vurra Sub-county), Pario Joel (LC III Chair, Vurra), Okumu Collins Smart (Assistant RDC, Arua), Alli Jimmy (Assistant CAO, Arua District), and other community and faith leaders.
Feni encouraged community members to actively participate in the initiative, noting that it is part of a broader plan to scale programs across West Nile.
Since its registration in 2021, Mungu Feni Foundation has established itself as a key actor in regional development. In 2025, it won multiple accolades at the West Nile Quality Brand Awards, including the Quality Excellence Award – Platinum, Best Community Development NGO, and Best Local NGO.
The foundation also earned recognition as the “Best Community Transformation Organisation in East Africa” at the East Africa Brand Quality Awards.
Under Feni’s leadership, the foundation has delivered programs in education support, vocational training in fashion and design, community health campaigns, road safety training, and the Mungufeni Talent Search, reflecting a holistic approach that combines skills development with community cohesion.
The faith-based, indigenous NGO operates from Arua City, guided by Christian values of compassion, service, and community, with a mission to uplift vulnerable populations through charity, sustainable development, and empowerment.
