The concept of a “Smart village” can be summarized according the definition of the European Commission: “The emerging concept of smart villages refers to rural areas and communities which build on their existing strengths and assets as well as on developing new opportunities”.

The “Sam Owori Projects” focus on the concept of the Smart Village Kidera. Several categories have been addressed, always with the distinctive aspect of sustainability:

- high-quality education
- economic development and training in new business skills
- implementation of solar energy
- better equipped medical
- access to clean water.

The main intention is reducing poverty, providing new employment avenues to prevent migration of the youth to cities.

Digital technologies and innovations can help to make Kidera a safe and worthwhile place in this world, both in traditional and new networks and collaborations.

By 2026, Kidera should have developed into a ‘Smart Village’ and can be used as a model for many other villages.

Every long journey begins with the first step. We have taken the first step in Kidera. Through the ‘Sam Owori Projects’, Kidera is becoming a model village and is to be used as a pilot project to transfer the concept of the ‘Smart Village’ to several villages in eastern Uganda, thus, scaling up the initiative.

The Rotary Foundation has launched scaling-programmes to support evidence-based programmes that have already demonstrated success. Scaling proven programmes will benefit more people and promote the development of policies and sustainable programmes.

To increase our impact, we must continue to invest in relationships, make decisions based on facts, and mobilise our networks to create lasting solutions.

While continuing to support the fantastic work we are all doing in these projects, we also want to find new ways to fulfil our mission of learning together and demonstrating the power of creating positive change in one of the poorest regions of Uganda.

Therefore, it is planned to apply for a Large Scale Project in 2026/27.

We are looking for visionary major donors to lay the foundation for our large-scale project. Using the holistic approach of the model village of Kidera, 4-5 villages in Uganda are to be built based on the proven model of the ‘Smart Village’ Kidera.

Your donation – multiplied and with maximum impact

With own funds of USD 500,000, we will not only be able to launch the next village on the Ssese Islands, but also achieve a unique leverage effect:

Once the own funds are in place and the large-scale application has been approved by The Rotary Foundation (TRF), TRF will co-finance our project with an additional USD 1.5 million.

Your donation will therefore be tripled, giving us a total of USD 2 million at our disposal.

Why donate now?

You are investing in a sustainable concept that leads entire communities to independence. Your contribution is the key to securing the necessary co-financing and realising our vision of giving thousands of people in Uganda a better future in their own homeland.