Viso Uganda

Voluntary Initiative Support Organisation (VISO) was formed in 2003 by a group of young professionals in northern Uganda with the motive to promote peace building, Resettlement of communities during and post Internal Displacement (IDPs and Immigrants), Nature conservation, improved livelihoods, economic empowerment through VSLA and Improved literacy through Advocacy, Research and community action. RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES AND IDPS: VISO has a long history of supporting communities in IDP Camps through shelter construction, support for water and sanitation, health education especially to the women and youth on STIs and other infant diseases such as malaria, Income Generation activities etc. VIOLENCE REDUCTION THROUGH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Violent conflict prevention strategies evolved in the last 2 decades. It has always been our prediction that violence can be prevented. VISO implements community based Media, Information and communications Technology based models to engage the youth and other crucial community groups in countering violent narratives and promoting peace building. Our Violence Reduction Strategy (VRS) involves developing Early warning Systems based on trends, Engaging the communities in dialogue, developing counter programming and strengthening existing structures including policies and practices to prevent re-occurrence. NATURE CONSERVATION: VISO continues to engage communities in the Albertine Graben region of Uganda (Nwoya, Amuru, Gulu District and West Nile region) in advancing community participation in monitoring natural resource management. Together with the grassroots, we protect biodiversity by identifying alternative livelihood solutions and relieve pressure on natural resources, we sensitise the communities and create protective barriers to limit violent interactions between communities and wildlife.