Uganda is one of the poorest countries in Africa with almost half of its population under the age of 15. Despite compulsory schooling, 53 per cent of the 15 million school-age children do not complete primary school. Girls are particularly affected.

The country is characterised by agriculture, and most of the work is done by women under precarious conditions. The climate crisis is exacerbating poverty, and flight is increasingly seen as a solution.

The vision of Sam and Norah Owori
The Kidera Project is based on the original idea of Sam and Norah Owori to empower women and girls in their home village of Kidera in eastern Uganda.

The founders and the team
After the tragic loss of Sam and Norah Owori, the two Rotarians from Austria, Doris Steinmüller-Nethl (Rotary Club Innsbruck Alpin) and Judith Köck (Rotary Club Kitzbühel), took up this idea, developed the overall concept from scratch and founded the Sam Owori Projects – powered by Rotary. From the outset, the two sons, Stephen and Daniel Owori, were involved as key confidants.

Doris and Judith manage and oversee the projects in Kidera, working closely with Sam and Norah's two sons, the people of Kidera and Tororo, several Rotary Clubs and organisations to improve living conditions through education, training, healthcare, the creation of opportunities and the provision of infrastructure: building a future to stay at home.

In recognition of the legacy of Sam and Norah Owori, all projects and activities have been grouped under the name ‘The Sam Owori Projects’.

The aim is to develop and adopt the village Kidera together with the 5,000 residents, as a pilot project, and then to transfer the holistic concept to other villages. This will give young people in Uganda opportunities, training and knowledge to have a secure and prosperous future in their own country.