We are thrilled to announce a partnership pilot between Seed Effect and 4africa in Uganda!

Like Seed Effect, 4africa believes in promoting sustainable, holistic change for individuals and families, so vulnerable communities can experience lasting hope and restoration through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Seed Effect is bringing the hope of Jesus and Christ-centered economic empowerment to hard places and underserved communities. Since launching in Uganda in 2017, Seed Effect has empowered over 62,000 South Sudanese refugees and Ugandans in over 2,200 Christ-centered savings and loan groups to know Jesus, grow spiritually, and access the tools they need to provide for their families with dignity.

Historically, the geographical location of refugees has driven Seed Effect’s growth strategy. There are seven refugee settlements spread across northern Uganda. Seed Effect now serves in six of these settlements, and the neighboring villages, and will be launching in the seventh in Q4 of 2022.

But the need for a Christ-centered, economic empowerment program extends well beyond the refugee settlements in northern Uganda.

According to the 2022 Uganda Multidimensional Poverty Index Report, “at the regional level, the Northern region has the highest deprivations in almost every indicator.” Additionally, as “50% of households [in northern Uganda] lack access to financial services”, it’s clear that the need for Seed Effect’s program amongst Ugandan households is high.

By partnering with 4africa and combining our resources, we can each remain focused on our core programs, and yet, do more with less. Together, we can bring Christ-centered economic empowerment to Ugandans living in extreme poverty in areas that Seed Effect would not otherwise reach.

Omoro, Uganda

Omoro, located in northern Uganda, is the region that the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) occupied for a period of over 20 years in the 90’s and early 2000’s, destabilizing the area and stunting the development in the region compared to the southern part of the country, leading to extreme poverty.

Recognizing the need for economic empowerment and formal savings groups, 4africa and Seed Effect piloted a partnership to bring Seed Effect’s savings and loan model to 16 groups (over 450 people) already being served by 4africa’s other programs. Through access to financial services and meaningful investment opportunities, members will further improve economic security leading to holistic transformation.

In Omoro, Seed Effect staff work alongside the 4africa team, leveraging 4africa’s already existing office, infrastructure, and resources to share and reduce overhead costs that would normally be incurred at a full Seed Effect branch. We are excited about this opportunity to test a new partnership model that may pave the way for more cost-effective expansion in the future in other regions.

Since launching this pilot in July of 2022, we’ve seen an encouraging response from community leaders. At the inception meeting conducted at the Omoro District Headquarters, the Deputy Honorable Elizabeth shared,

“We appreciate 4africa for the great impact they have made in the community and we are grateful they are partnering with Seed Effect to bring more empowerment.”