2025 Annual Impact Report
Grassroots Power
Okere Community Development Project also known as Okere City was born from a deeply personal journey of healing, identity and purpose; and has grown into a bold community-led model for rural transformation in Northern Uganda. What began as a simple effort to restore an ancestral home has evolved into a shared vision: to create opportunity, dignity and prosperity within rural communities, so that people no longer need to leave their homes to thrive.
Over the reporting period, the project strengthened education, healthcare, livelihoods, environmental sustainability and youth and women empowerment. Guided by trust, inclusion and partnership, Okere City works hand in hand with community members to co-create solutions that respond to real and pressing local needs. The project has reached over 10,000 of rural residents in Otuke and surrounding districts and improved access to essential services, while at the same time supporting multiple pathways to economic independence.
This report presents an overview of the progress we registered in 2025. It documents the strategies adopted, partnerships formed, results achieved and lessons learned, while offering a forward-looking perspective on Okere City’s ambition to serve as an experimental model for sustainable, smart and eco-friendly rural development in Africa by 2030.
CONTENT
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From Our Leadership
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Impact Overview​
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Priority Highlights
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Reflections and Learnings
FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Ojok Okello
Chief Executive Officer
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Grassroots power. I have never seen it shine brighter than in 2025 for Okere community. It has grown far beyond any one of us. I love that moment when rural people realize they can solve their own problems by coming together, neighbor to neighbor, and recognizing that they are the resource.
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In 2025, Okere City directly impacted up to 10,000 rural dwellers in Otuke District through our priority areas – local economic development, educational provision, primary health care, environmental conservation, arts and cultural development.
Our educational projects advance knowledge and skills access to 1,800 children, youth and adult learners. We created 25 new dignified jobs, bringing the number of jobs we have created in the past 5 years to 300. Our community got two first grades (our first) emerging as the best performing school in the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results released by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
We established a demonstration irrigation garden providing 100 households with access to fertile land and water for sustainable agricultural practice. This is in addition to giving 150 farmers access to regenerative agricultural extension services and farm inputs.
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We exported our first shea butter! Yes, we loaded 20MT container with shea butter and it landed in the Port of New York for Bansk Beauty who will launch body butters with our nilotica shea butter used as a base product in formulations.
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That is history in the making. What moves me most is that this impact is rising organically from the ground up. It is driven by thousands of people who believe that change begins when local communities stand side by side and partner with companies and organizations who value their efforts.
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Talking of partners, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Azurit Foundation, Wisdom Fund, and Overseas Resources Foundation, who joined our portfolio of partners in 2025. You truly made our work more exciting and impactful.
Min Ker
Co-Founder and COO
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As Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Okere City, 2025 has been a year of disciplined growth and hard-earned lessons. We strengthened our internal systems, streamlined operations across the school, clinic, and shea cooperative, and improved accountability in revenue management. One major breakthrough was aligning our social mission with stronger business practices—tracking costs more rigorously, investing in staff capacity, and prioritizing income-generating units. We learned that passion alone does not sustain impact; operational efficiency and financial prudence do. By embracing data, teamwork, and adaptive leadership, we are steadily building a resilient institution capable of sustaining both community services and long-term transformation.
Owico Alex
Programme Manager - Education
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In 2025, our focus as a school was on strengthening academic performance, reinforcing discipline and creating a more structured learning environment. Throughout the year, we worked closely with teachers to improve lesson delivery, learner assessment and classroom engagement. The results have been encouraging, with noticeable progress in learner confidence, participation and overall performance.
​This year also reflected growing trust from parents and the wider community. Enrollment remained steady and our candidates approached national examinations better prepared and more focused. While we recognize there is still room for growth, 2025 has laid a stronger foundation for continued improvement and long-term academic excellence.
Akite Barbara
Programme Manager - Communication and Fundraising
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Joining Okere City in 2025 has been both a professional milestone and a deeply personal journey. I stepped into the role at a time when the organization’s work was already touching lives across education, health, environment and livelihoods. What stood out to me immediately was the authenticity of the mission; the work is not for visibility, but for real change in real communities. Telling these stories and connecting partners to this vision has been a privilege.
PRIORITY HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE ON THE GROUND
GO! GO! OKERE SHEA BUTTER
In 2025, we made significant breakthroughs with our shea butter business.
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Okere City advances local economic growth by addressing the key factors that shape farmers’ productivity, incomes, and resilience. Our approach spans agricultural improvement, value addition, financial inclusion, and market access, ensuring that farming households have both the resources and the capacity to thrive.
In 2025, Okere City’s Local Economic Development work translated practical support into real economic gains for rural families. By strengthening the shea nut value chain, local farmers were able to sell more produce, engage in processing and connect to markets for value-added products. This expanded income opportunities while boosting the community’s visibility in trade.
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At the same time, seed loan schemes and hands-on trainings in agronomy, crop management and enterprise development helped farmers increase yields and run farming as a business. Village savings and loan associations further enabled households to save, access credit and reinvest in their enterprises. Together, these efforts are helping farming families build more stable incomes and a stronger, more resilient local economy.
Nurtring Learning, Transforming Communities
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY EDUCATION
We strengthen learning opportunities by addressing the many factors that shape how people access, experience and benefit from education. Our approach spans formal schooling, adult literacy and experiential learning, ensuring that children, youth and adults gain practical knowledge, essential skills and real-world exposure. In this way, individuals and communities are better prepared to improve their livelihoods and contribute to local development.
In 2025, Okere City’s education work turned learning into a practical pathway for opportunity across the community. Through Okere Community School and its broader learning programs, children, youth and adults accessed education that builds knowledge, confidence and real-life skills. Blending formal schooling, adult literacy and experiential learning, the initiative reached people at different stages of life and learning.
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Functional Adult Literacy classes helped adults gain reading, writing and numeracy skills that improved household decision-making, livelihoods and participation in community activities. Exposure visits and exchange tours allowed community members to learn from other contexts, sparking new ideas and local solutions.
Together, these efforts are strengthening a culture of lifelong learning — one where more people are equipped to improve their own lives while contributing to the progress of the wider community.
Highlights
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Aggregated 50 MT of shea nuts, processed & packaged for export
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Exported 30 MT of processed shea butter to the United States of America.
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Distributed half a metric ton of maize to 100 farmers.
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Distributed 1 MT of rice seeds, expanding cultivation and improving food security.
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Allocated tomato production plots at Okere demonstration farm to 10 farmer groups (100 farmers) for commercial farming.
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Conducted two field trips to Baralegi Presidential Demonstration Farm
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Provided agronomic training on maize, rice and tomato production.
IN FOCUS
Okere Shea Coop Secures First Export Contract with amika
"We shipped our first-ever 9 metric tons of nilotica shea butter to New York City. Months later, our community-produced shea entered global beauty supply chains and revenues were reinvested into women’s literacy and local livelihoods. What began as a rural dream is now a global partnership-proof that regeneration, women’s work and village enterprise can power an international market while transforming lives at home.”
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Ojok Okello, Founder/CEO, Okere City
Highlights
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
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Held fourth graduation ceremony with 40 pupils (double the number in 2024.
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34 pupils sat for P.L.E; the highest number ever.
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Enrolled, trained and graduated 30 learners in tailoring and garment making.
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Installed functional solar lighting system in all classes and dormitories.
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Improved water supply by installing a 10,000 liter water tank solar water system.
IN FOCUS
Milestones That Matter
“This year’s milestones reflect how far our school community has come. Graduating 40 pupils - twice last year’s number and registering our highest-ever P.L.E candidates shows growing trust from families and steady progress for our learners. Each child represents a story of commitment and together they signal a future full of possibility for our community.”
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Alex Owico, Programme Manager, Education.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Restoring Nature, Sustaining Communities
We strengthen environmental stewardship by addressing the many factors that shape how communities use, protect and benefit from natural resources. Our approach spans tree planting, community sensitization and local environmental governance, ensuring that households, schools and leaders play an active role in conservation. By promoting indigenous species such as shea, neem and bamboo, and encouraging responsible land use, communities are better prepared to protect their environment while supporting sustainable livelihoods and long-term rural resilience.
In 2025, Okere City’s Shea Carbon Inset Project translated climate action into tangible benefits for rural communities. By organizing 75 smallholder farmers for restoration work, the project strengthened local stewardship of natural resources. A community nursery produced over 15,000 tree seedlings, including White Teak, fruit trees and shea, while hundreds of fruit seedlings were distributed and planted. These efforts supported landscape restoration while creating future livelihood opportunities.
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At the same time, practical trainings in tree management, beekeeping, organic input production and yoke making were conducted. A demonstration apiary was also established further promoted pollination and income generation. Together, these actions improved soil health, reduced chemical use and increased awareness of trees and bees as valuable assets for carbon storage, biodiversity and household resilience.
Highlights
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Distributed over 500 free fruit seedlings to farmers.
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Established a standard seedling raising nursery; producing.
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Over 3000 Shea seedlings to be distributed to farmers at the beginning of 2026 seasons
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Over 2,000 seedlings each of Mango, Citrus, Avocado, Guava and Calliandra
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Over 10,000 White Teak seedlings
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Established a community demonstration apiary farm.
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Strengthened shea tree protection and regeneration through community sensitization and training.
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Enhanced community awareness of trees, bees, and organic farming as carbon, biodiversity and
livelihood assets.
IN FOCUS
Integrated Nature-Based Solutions for Climate and LivelihoodsS
Our integrated approach — combining large-scale seedling propagation, farmer distribution, apiary demonstration, and community training — positions trees and bees as practical climate solutions, delivering measurable gains in carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration, and household livelihoods.
ENSURING PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY
Strengthening Health, Empowering Communities
We strengthen community health by addressing the many factors that shape how people access, experience and benefit from medical services. Our approach spans routine clinical care, outreach programs and specialized services such as dental camps, ensuring that people can actively participate in improving health outcomes. By providing timely treatment, promoting preventive care and expanding access to underserved populations, communities are better prepared to maintain wellbeing while building resilience and stronger local healthcare systems.
Healthcare is a vital foundation for a thriving community. In 2025, Okere Community Medical Centre continued to expand access to affordable, quality care, responding to the everyday health needs of families in Okere City and neighboring villages. Guided by a commitment to compassionate and reliable service, the centre provided timely diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses, ensuring patients received care close to home.
From managing malaria, infections and respiratory conditions to offering consistent outpatient services, the facility strengthened trust in local healthcare. With improved capacity and quality of care, all cases were handled at the centre without the need for referrals.
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Beyond routine services, dental outreach camps organized in partnership with a mobile dental team widened access to oral healthcare for underserved residents. Through these combined efforts, the medical centre continues to support healthier families and a stronger, more resilient community.
SUPPORTING SPORTS, ARTS AND CULTURE
Strengthening Health, Empowering Communities
We promote vibrant community life by investing in the spaces and activities that bring people together through sports, arts and culture. Our work includes developing local play and training spaces, supporting creative talent and encouraging cultural activities that involve all age groups. These efforts give young people and the wider community positive outlets for expression, learning and collaboration.
Sports, arts and culture are a vital foundation for a vibrant and connected community. In 2025, Okere City continued to expand opportunities for young people and families to participate in activities that build talent, confidence and social bonds. Through improved community training spaces and regular programs, more children and youth were able to engage in football, volleyball and other team activities close to home.
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From coaching sessions and friendly tournaments to creative arts activities, these programs encouraged teamwork, discipline and self-expression. Growing involvement in music, dance and drama also created positive outlets for young people to explore their abilities and share their creativity.
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Beyond recreation, cultural events and performances helped celebrate local traditions and bring generations together. Through these combined efforts, sports, arts and culture continue to unite the community, nurture talent and keep cultural pride alive.
Highlights
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Conducted two free dental camps with Hope Smiles Mobile Dental Clinic.
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Served over 800 clients from Okere city, nearby villages, parishes and districts.
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No referral cases.
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Regular services and outreach increased community trust and awareness of professional medical care.
IN FOCUS
Ensuring Continuous Dental Care
“Many in our community receive their first-ever dental checkups and oral health education; a step that boosts their health and confidence for years to come. This is not a one-off event but a long-term partnership, with outreaches twice a year to ensure dental care is never neglected again.”
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Ojok Okello, Founder/CEO, Okere City
Highlights
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Organized five community cultural dance events and competitions, attended by approximately 5,000 community members.
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Organized and participated in football competitions with local community teams.
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Organized school inter-class music, dance, drama, and sports competitions.
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Facilitated boxing training for community members to promote physical fitness, discipline and self-confidence.
IN FOCUS
Uniting the Community Through Culture, Sports, and Fitness
From community dance competitions attended by thousands, to inter-class music, drama, and sports events, football matches and boxing training, we unite our community, nurture talent, and build confidence, discipline and a spirit of togetherness. These activities celebrate our culture, inspire healthy lifestyles, and create opportunities for everyone to grow, compete and shine.
KEY REFLECTIONS AND LEARNINGS FROM 2025
Real change doesn’t follow a straight line. Here’s how our teams adapted, listened, and evolved with communities this year.
1. Integrated Services Create Stronger Impact
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Combining education, health, livelihoods, water, and digital access in one ecosystem proved more effective than running isolated projects. The “rural city” model works best when services reinforce each other.
Key Lessons
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Integration Multiplies Impact
When services are connected (education + health + livelihoods + water + digital access), each one strengthens the others. The overall outcome is greater than what any single program could achieve alone. -
People Experience Development Holistically
Communities do not live in “sectors.” A student’s performance depends on health, clean water, family income, and access to information. Planning projects around real life—not categories—leads to better results. -
Coordination Is More Valuable Than Expansion
Improving links between existing services can be more effective and cost-efficient than launching many new standalone projects. Strong coordination, shared data, and joint planning increase sustainability and reduce duplication.
2. Women-Centered Economic Programs Drive Community Growth
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Investing in women through cooperatives, microloans, and skills training generated ripple effects in household income, food security, and children’s education. Empowering women remains one of the highest-return strategies.
Key Lessons
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Women’s Economic Empowerment Benefits Entire Households.
Income earned by women was more likely to be reinvested in food, healthcare, and school needs, leading to visible improvements in family well-being rather than individual gain only. -
Cooperatives Strengthen Confidence and Collective Power.
Group structures improved bargaining power, peer learning, savings culture, and emotional support, which increased participation and resilience during economic shocks.
3. Trust Takes Time in Community Development
At Okere City, we learned that trust is built slowly through consistent presence, honest communication, and delivering on small promises before large ones. Community members gain confidence when avoiding over-commitment, listening to local voices, and adapting programs based on feedback. At the same time, trust can be broken quickly by delays, unclear expectations, or decisions made without consultation. Sustainable progress therefore depends not only on projects and funding, but on nurturing long-term relationships, transparency in resource use, and visible accountability. In essence, social capital proved as critical as physical infrastructure—once strengthened it accelerates collaboration, but once weakened it takes significant time and humility to rebuild.
Key Lessons
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At Okere City, regular presence, honoring commitments, and clear communication proved more powerful than one-off big initiatives. Communities judge reliability over time, not by promises.
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Involving community members in planning and decision-making reduced misunderstandings and resistance. When people feel heard and see their input reflected in action, ownership and cooperation increase.
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Openness about finances, timelines, and challenges helped maintain confidence even during delays or setbacks. Trust is easier to sustain when expectations are realistic and information is shared early rather than after problems arise.
2025 IMPACT STORIES IN THE NEWS
2025 New Partnerships
Our partnership with the Overseas Resources Foundation Ltd (ORFL) enables us to invest in technology, research and development (R&D) to produce the best quality nilotica shea butter in the world.
In 2025, the Wisdom at Work Fund enabled us to continue providing functional adult education opportunities to 300 women in Otuke who are part of our Aerokwan project. The fund is a big boost to our quest of ensuring social protection to promote the diginity of the grandmothers in Otuke district.
