BRAC Uganda Growing Rapidly and Building Capacity

BRAC Uganda, led by Country Representative Ariful Islam, recently moved into a new country office in Kampala (featured on the left). Arif, a highly experienced 26-year veteran with BRAC, is now overseeing a rapidly expanding 85-branch national network that is delivering microfinance for very low income entrepreneurs in Uganda. In addition, BRAC is providing livelihood development services to its microfinance clients and community members in agriculture, poultry, livestock and health. It also has a special initiative focused on teenage girls and runs ‘second chance’ primary schools for older children in the conflict-affected northern districts of Kitgum and Pader. Arif first arrived in Kampala in June 2006 to explore the feasibility of establishing BRAC programs in Uganda. BRAC has signed MOUs with the Government of Uganda to carry out its integrated development programs nation-wide and currently employs over 1,300 staff. Given the high unemployment rates, Arif prefers to give new graduates and first-time job seekers an opportunity. BRAC invests heavily in training and capacity building for its staff.