SNV Uganda celebrated 35 years of dedication to sustainable development and transformative impact across Uganda. Held at the organization’s Kampala offices, the anniversary celebration was attended by key dignitaries, including Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, who joined partners and stakeholders to honor SNV’s legacy and continued commitment to Uganda’s development.
Since its inception in 1989, SNV has driven change in Uganda, particularly in the agri-food, energy, and water sectors. To mark this anniversary, SNV launched two innovative projects aimed at empowering local innovators and smallholder farmers. These projects include the third phase of the Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) program and the Inclusive Livestock Development for Smallholder Farmers (INCLUDE) project. The total investment in these two initiatives amounts to UGX 71.5 billion (approx. €17.2 million).
The IAP program, which is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), unveiled a UGX 3.8 billion fund, aimed at providing grants of up to UGX 800 million to inclusive businesses. These grants will support solutions that address the needs of underserved communities, with a special focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
Since its launch in 2011, the IAP Challenge Fund has provided over €13 million (approximately UGX 50 billion) to businesses in Uganda, Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Zambia. The fund has impacted over 1 million Ugandans, with 53% of beneficiaries being women, improving their income and access to essential services.
In addition, the UGX 67.7 billion (approx. €17.2 million) INCLUDE project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will benefit 75,000 smallholder farmers in Uganda’s Kigezi, Greater Ankole, Rwenzori, and Busoga regions. This project aims to transform the livelihoods of these farmers by providing support in livestock development, which will drive economic growth and improve food security in Uganda.
Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga commended SNV for its longstanding partnership with the Ugandan government, stating, “I am pleased to learn that SNV, together with the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, launched yet another project which is expanding their support beyond dairy to the livestock sector and more smallholder farmers. I am also aware that with support from SIDA, the Innovations Against Poverty project is transitioning into its third phase. We are pleased with all these partnerships that contribute to the government’s development objectives.”
Blanco Ignacio, the Multi-Country Project Manager for the Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) project, emphasised the initiative’s significance. “Inclusive businesses hold the power to transform lives, and through IAP, Sweden and SNV are enabling entrepreneurs to reach underserved communities sustainably. As we celebrate SNV’s 35 years of impact, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to fostering innovation and driving Uganda’s inclusive growth.”
He added: “Originally launched in 2011, the IAP Challenge Fund has invested over 13 million euros (approx. UGX50 billion) in 39 companies across Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia. This funding has helped these companies to reach almost 2.5 million people with essential services, improve income opportunities for 19,000 individuals, and prevent 37,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. In Uganda, IAP has a significant impact, reaching over 1 million people, with 53% being women.
HE. Frederieke Quispel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda , re-echoed the need to increase support for local businesses and smallholder farmers to boost the economy and emphasised the role of the Netherlands government in SNV’s achievements: “Our commitment to Uganda’s sustainable development is growing stronger and we are excited to continue our partnership with SNV regarding the priorities within the national development plan. We are exploring new opportunities to expand our support for SNV’s work in areas, especially in the agri-food sector, with an increased focus on smallholder farmers.”
Reflecting on SNV’s 35-year journey, SNV Uganda Country Director, Ms Phomolo Maphosa, added: “Our story in Uganda began with a commitment to community-driven development. Over the decades, we have grown from addressing immediate needs to catalysing systemic change across agri-food, energy, and water sectors. Today, we celebrate this legacy with a bold vision for the future.”
SNV’s 2030 strategy will prioritise gender equality, climate resilience, and strong governance. By integrating these themes, SNV aims to deliver sustainable solutions to interconnected challenges and drive systemic transformation.
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