At The Hunger Project, we believe that communities have the power to end their own hunger—and that women are at the heart of that change. Across Uganda, women continue to carry the primary responsibility for feeding their families. Yet they often face systemic barriers to accessing education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
That’s why we work closely with women as key agents of change. We partner with local governments and community leaders to strengthen systems from the ground up—ensuring that progress is not only possible, but lasting.
Women Leading the Way
In the districts of Iganga, Butambala and Wakiso, women are stepping into leadership roles to transform the health and nutrition of their communities.
As part of the Global Alliance for Sustainable Nutrition, we collaborated with local health offices to identify and train trusted community volunteers, known as animators, in essential topics like nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation. These passionate individuals are catalysts for change, sharing their knowledge through powerful peer-to-peer learning. What began with 50 trained animators quickly grew—demand and enthusiasm were so high that we expanded the program to train 150 more.
Each of the 200 animators now leads a Mother’s Club, a group of 30 women committed to improving the well-being of their families and neighbors. Today, more than 6,260 women are part of these vibrant clubs—growing a movement rooted in knowledge, leadership, and the power of community.
His Grace Mothers’ Club
In Buwolomera Village in Iganga District, one group is leading the way.
His Grace Mothers’ Club meets weekly to share knowledge, grow food, and build a better future for their families. Led by Chairperson Naigaga Justine and Animator Sarah Kisaakye, the group is a vibrant example of what’s possible when women come together to drive change.
“One of our biggest achievements is our communal garden,” says Justine. “We grow vegetables like sukuma wiki, nakatti, dodo [all varieties of dark leafy greens], spring onions and pineapples. We buy seeds together, plan together and even irrigate during the dry season using the borehole built by The Hunger Project-Uganda. This way, our families have fresh, nutritious food all year.”
The women also meet every Wednesday for training on nutrition, hygiene, and sustainable farming practices. They’ve learned how to store vegetables to preserve nutrients, leading to better meals and healthier families.
Saving for the Future
Every Saturday, they gather for savings and financial planning. What began as a women’s initiative has grown to include their husbands—and the results speak for themselves.
“Together, we saved over 8 million Ugandan shillings (~$2200USD) last year,” says Justine. “The women alone saved nearly 4 million. With these savings, we’re starting small businesses, improving our homes, and paying school fees. Some families have even bought motorbikes for business or invested in sanitation, kitchens, and shops.”
The group manages its own savings and lending program. Members and non-members can borrow money at affordable interest rates and profits are shared at the end of the year. This model has increased financial independence, helping families diversify their income and invest in long-term improvements.
“This project has truly transformed our lives,” Justine reflects. “We now have better food security, improved health and financial independence. Thanks to The Hunger Project, we have gained the skills and confidence to keep moving forward. The impact of this work will continue for years to come.”
His Grace Mothers’ Club is just one example of the thousands of community-led efforts happening across Uganda. With the right tools, training, and support, women are building stronger, more self-reliant communities—starting with their own families.
As we mark World Hunger Day 2025, we honor the strength and leadership of women like Justine, and the collective action that’s making a hunger-free future possible.
Image credit: Uganda, 2025 © The Hunger Project