Home / About

A locally led organisation, born from its own community

UGEAFI exists to help communities in fragile parts of DR Congo and South Sudan build durable wellbeing through health, education, agriculture and peace.

Rooted in community since 1978.

UGEAFI's roots reach back to 1978, when herders and farmers in the Minembwe-Itombwe highlands organised the first cooperative groups to face livestock and agricultural challenges together. Two of these — ACDI (1978) and CODEAMI (1978) — laid the groundwork for a community-driven movement.

The organisation took its current form in 2002 and is now recognised by the authorities of both DR Congo and South Sudan. From a single highland territory, its work has grown to reach communities across the Kivus and into Juba.

Mission

To support community wellbeing through integrated work in education, health and sustainable agriculture.

Vision

Resilient communities across eastern DR Congo and South Sudan.

Our values

The principles that guide how we work in fragile, conflict-affected settings.

Community ownershipCommunities lead and sustain what we build together.

IntegrityTransparent in our work, accountable to those we serve.

InclusionEvery voice matters — especially the most marginalised.

ResilienceBuilding capacity that outlasts any single intervention.

PartnershipWorking alongside, not above — local and international.

InnovationAdapting proven approaches to fragile, complex settings.

Non-violencePeaceful means in everything we do, even in conflict zones.

SustainabilityEnvironmental stewardship woven into all our programs.

Strategic objectives

Eight interconnected goals that drive our planning and delivery.

01
Strengthen the health of communities through accessible, quality care.
02
Improve educational outcomes for children in conflict-affected areas.
03
Promote food security and sustainable livelihoods for smallholder families.
04
Provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene to prevent disease.
05
Protect the environment through reforestation and climate-resilient agriculture.
06
Support peacebuilding and the safe return of displaced communities.
07
Empower women and youth through economic and protection programs.
08
Advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in all programs.

Our team

Behind every project are passionate, committed men and women who are close to their communities. Our team brings together development experts, educators, agronomists, communicators, health workers and peacebuilders who combine their skills to meet the needs of people in the DRC and South Sudan. Guided by solidarity, integrity and respect, we work hand in hand with communities to build a fairer, more sustainable future.

Butoto Bigiri NaumCEO & Founder
Sandra ButotoChief Operating Officer
Martin Nyongolo LuwawaAdministrative & Finance Director
Feston KiruhuraProgram Manager
Butoto Mutunzi WillyProject Manager
Junus ButotoProject Manager
Joseph G. RunyamboCommunications Officer
Mugenza Byinshi DeogratiasAccountant
Katabana WendoLogistics & Driver
Wilson BubalaMEAL Officer

Two countries, eight intervention areas.

From our base in the Fizi-Itombwe highlands, we operate across North and South Kivu in DR Congo, and in the Nyale, Mundri and Nkole Payams of South Sudan. Our teams are locally embedded — most staff come from the communities they serve.