Mission and history

UMOJA for Peace and Resilience (UPR) is an international NGO founded in 2019 by Honore
Kabongo, a passionate advocate for displaced and marginalized populations.
Headquartered USA, UPR is committed to building peaceful, inclusive, and resilient
communities in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and beyond. Our mission
is rooted in the belief that lasting peace and sustainable development are only possible through the
empowerment of individuals and communities affected by conflict, displacement, and chronic
vulnerability.

We adopt a holistic approach, integrating peacebuilding, economic empowerment, education,
protection, and resilience building to address the root causes of instability and create long-term
change.

Our Mission

UMOJA for Peace and Resilience (UPR) empowers communities affected by conflict and displacement by promoting peace, expanding access to education and skills, supporting inclusive economic growth, protecting vulnerable groups, and building resilience. We work to restore dignity, foster self-reliance, and enable long-term transformation through people-centered and locally driven solutions.

Our History (Chronology)

2019

Community-Driven Foundation

UPR is established in Uganda by refugee and community leaders to respond to post-conflict challenges in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.

2020

First Steps Toward Peace

Launch of initial peacebuilding and community reconciliation initiatives.

2021

Economic Empowerment for Youth and Women

Rolled out vocational and entrepreneurship programs for youth and women.

2022

Regional Expansion and Trauma Recovery

Expansion to the DRC (Goma, Bukavu, Kinshasa) with trauma-informed recovery and protection services.

2023–2024

Local Capacity Building and Digital Transformation

Conducted SIYB Training of Trainers in Goma and Bukavu, along with Digitize Your Business workshops empowering trainers and entrepreneurs in business planning, financial literacy, and digital tools.

Today

Strengthening Impact and Building Resilience

UPR continues to grow as a regional force for peace, empowerment, and resilience led by and for displaced and conflict-affected communities.

Our impact

At UMOJA, we measure impact not only in numbers, but in the stories of lives rebuilt, peace
restored, and dignity reclaimed.

Impact Highlights (2023–2024)

Skilling for the Future

12,400+ youth and women trained in technical and life skills.

Building Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion

6,800 individuals supported with livelihoods and financial services.

Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion

3,500 community members engaged in peace and reconciliation forums.

Protection and Safety for the Most Vulnerable

5,100 people provided with protection services, including GBV survivors and at-risk children.

Rapid Response in Times of Crisis

Humanitarian aid delivered during emergencies in Goma and Kasai.

Entrepreneurship and Digital Transformation

SIYB and digital business trainings empowered over 1,500 entrepreneurs in eastern DRC.

Fostering Community Dialogue and Participation

Over 40 community dialogues conducted across Goma and Bukavu.

Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement

120+ youth leaders trained in civic engagement and advocacy in Kinshasa.

Staff, board and advisors

Our dedicated team is composed of passionate professionals, community leaders, and field experts many with lived experience of displacement working together to drive meaningful change and empower vulnerable communities.

MILAMBO KARINE

Vice-Présidente Globale

HONORE KABONGO

Président

CHRISTIAN LWENZA NYALUMYA

Directeur Général (DG)

MICHAEL MAKABAKAYELE

Chargé Juridique

TIMOTHEE KAPINGA MULUME NGINDU

Charge des Finances (CF)

ARISTARQUE

Vice-Président de Stratégie et Partenariat

LUKELA KABONGO RICHARD

Chef de Projets (CP)

JOLIE BANGE

Coordinatrice Générale

JOSEPH NZAPADA MBAGA

Administrateur Général (AG)

BISIMWA MULUME ALEX

Chargé des Résiliences Communautaires et Développement (CRCD)

MOISE KAPUKU

Chargé des Résiliences Communautaires et Développement

SANGANI MIBANZWE

Assistante de Chargé des Résiliences Communautaires et Développement (CRCD)

Annual Reports

2024 Mid-Year Report

Summary of key achievements, success stories, and impact data.

2023 Annual Report

Includes full breakdown by country and program area.

Our strategy​

Our strategies are centered on the real needs of the communities we serve—combining peacebuilding, skills training, protection, and livelihood support to create lasting solutions that empower refugees and conflict-affected populations to heal, rebuild, and lead change in their own communities.

Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding

Creating inclusive spaces for community dialogue and conflict resolution.

Empowering youth and women as peace agents at grassroots levels.

Promoting social harmony through joint community initiatives.

Education and Skills Development

Supporting formal and non-formal education for displaced and vulnerable children and youth.

Delivering market-relevant vocational, digital, and entrepreneurial training.

Partnering with local institutions to scale community-based learning.

Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion

Facilitating access to micro-enterprise support, income-generating opportunities, and green jobs.

Strengthening savings groups and linking them to formal financial services.

Enhancing capacity for small businesses and cooperatives to scale sustainably.

Protection and Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups

Advancing gender equality and combating gender-based violence (GBV).

Supporting children at risk and youth through education and mentorship.

Promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in development initiatives.

Crisis Resilience and Humanitarian Response

Supporting emergency preparedness and rapid response during displacement and climate crises.

Providing psychosocial support, emergency kits, and access to water and health services.

Building long-term resilience through climate-smart community projects.

Ready to Make a Difference ?

Join us in our mission to support displaced communities worldwide. Your contribution can help change lives.