About Us

Introduction

Aider Refugee Initiative is a refugee-founded, non-profit and community-driven organization based in Kampala, Uganda. The organization supports refugees and host communities by providing access to skills development, professional growth, livelihoods, and advocacy platforms. Aider exists to amplify refugee voices, empower communities, and promote self-reliance through rights-based programming and capacity strengthening.

0 k+

People we have help

0 +

Successful projects

Aider Refugee Initiative was established in 2017 by a group of committed refugees who identified gaps in meaningful participation, skills training, and employment opportunities for refugees living in urban areas.
The organization was formally incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee on 7th December 2022 under the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)

Over the years, Aider has grown into a recognized RLO engaged in community development, protection, advocacy, and capacity-building programs.

Registration Number: 80020003932338
Certificate Number: BRS-INCC-2-22/11523
Registered in: Kampala, Uganda

Key Advocacy Themes

Aider works across several advocacy areas including:

Refugee Meaningful Participation “Your Policy, Our Voices Matter”
Self-Reliance & Employment Access “Empower to Earn, Self-Reliance Starts Here”
Rights Awareness especially employment rights under the Refugee Act 2006
Gender equity, GBV prevention, and protection
Environmental and natural resource management

SUCCESS STORIES

From Tailoring Student to Business Owner

When Amina, a young refugee mother from the DRC, joined Aider Refugee Initiative’s vocational skills program, she had no income and struggled to provide for her two children. After completing six months of tailoring training, combined with entrepreneurship and financial literacy coaching, Amina received start-up support through Aider’s livelihood pathways. Today, she runs a small tailoring shop in Kisenyi, makes school uniforms for local schools, and employs two fellow refugee women. Amina’s journey from vulnerability to economic independence demonstrates how skills development can transform lives and uplift entire communities.

Empowering a Youth Leader to Influence Policy

Samuel, a South Sudanese youth leader, first participated in Aider’s Leadership and Refugee Participation program in 2022. Through digital advocacy training, rights awareness sessions, and policy engagement workshops, he gained the confidence and capacity to engage government stakeholders. Samuel now represents refugee youth in local coordination meetings and has advocated for better access to work permits for refugees. His voice has helped shape discussions in RELON and other humanitarian platforms, proving that when refugees are given the tools to speak, they influence the policies that affect their lives.

Restoring Hope for a GBV Survivor

After experiencing Gender-Based Violence at home, Grace, a refugee woman from Burundi, felt unsafe and isolated. Through Aider’s Protection & GBV Prevention program, she received confidential psychosocial support, GBV awareness training, and was linked to partner organizations for medical and legal assistance. Aider also helped her enroll in digital literacy classes to rebuild her confidence and independence. Today, Grace is an outspoken advocate for women’s safety in her community and volunteers in Aider’s awareness campaigns, helping other women access the support she once needed.

Aider Refugee Initiative

Refugee-founded, non-profit and community-driven organization based in Kampala. The organization supports refugees and host communities by providing access to skills development, professional growth and advocacy platforms

About us

Introduction

People we have help

Successful projects

Vision

Mission

Core Values