Agoro Community Development Association

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ACDA, the Agoro Community Development Association, is a non-governmental organization that helps the rural Agoro community in northern Uganda, in the Lamwo and Kitgum districts.

The area has a diverse population of over 600,000 people, mostly of the Acholi people. Since Uganda gained independence in 1962, the region has faced ongoing conflict, persecution, and neglect. There has long been gender inequality, and women and girls often face violence, child marriage, and weak property rights.

The Agoro region has suffered from civil and tribal violence for many years. The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) abducted tens of thousands of children and youths. Many people were displaced, and at one point about 1.8 million people in Northern Uganda were forced from their homes. Some have not returned even after peace efforts.

Conflicts and changing weather have hurt farming, which is the main source of income for over 90% of residents. More recently, trouble in South Sudan has brought many refugees to the area. By December 2015, the United Nations estimated about 173,000 refugees or asylum seekers in Northern Uganda, many in Agoro.

HIV/AIDS remains a major problem, with about 8.2% of the population infected in 2014. These challenges have left many people very poor and vulnerable.

ACDA was founded in 2001 to give a voice to oppressed and disadvantaged people in the Agoro region, to press for support, and to run projects that improve their lives. It has worked on its own and with international aid groups to help local residents and displaced people from South Sudan.

ACDA has achieved a lot. It follows a five-year plan that is updated each year. The goal is for ACDA to stay a major force for change and to be seen as a trusted organization that helps improve life for everyone in Agoro. The plan also uses new wireless communication to reach and serve its members. Under its current plan, ACDA focuses on strengthening the community through advocacy, aid projects, and better communication with members.