The US ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac during the launch of an Integrated Community Agriculture and Nutrition Activity in Kisoro district. Photo/Courtesy

The US Embassy in Uganda has launched a new activity to support over 116,000 vulnerable households in eight districts in Uganda.

The activity dubbed the ‘Integrated Community Agriculture and Nutrition, is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to a statement from the US embassy in Kampala, the activity aims at strengthening household and community resilience to recover quickly from stresses, such as the impact of extreme weather and unexpected health issues.

The activity launch, presided over by the US ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac, was done in collaboration with the Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuzo, Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament, Rose Kabangyenyi, and the Kisoro district leadership.

The launch event was held at the Gatabo Primary School in Kisoro on Thursday, where Ambassador Malac discussed education issues with teachers and students, and planted a tree to symbolise the community's investment in growth and resilience.

The new five-year activity, implemented by Abt Associates, will work with local partners to increase economic opportunities for poor families; work with schools, teachers and parents to promote behaviours improving nutrition; and strengthen local governance to provide effective public services.

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Malac said, "We are excited to begin this partnership with your local and district level representatives and to follow your leadership on this agenda. Ugandan communities and households will be stronger, healthier, and more resilient through our collaboration".  

Kisoro district is also supported through USAID's Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services activity in South-western Uganda to improve integrated health services, including HIV and malaria testing and treatment, and maternal and child health. 

The new activity will work with several other USAID-funded activities in the same region to strengthen the beneficiary communities.

The launch represents the US government's effort, in partnership with the Ugandan government and local partners, to increase household resilience, strengthen Uganda's economy, and improve people's well-being.