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BRAC Launches Graduation Community of Practice in Uganda to Drive Long-Term Poverty Alleviation.
Kampala, Uganda — BRAC, the world’s largest non-governmental organisation, has launched the Graduation Community of Practice in Uganda, bringing together stakeholders to explore innovative and sustainable ways of tackling poverty. This initiative aims to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 1: ending poverty in all its forms by 2030.
Founded in 1972 by the late Sir Fazle Hasan Abed in the aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War, BRAC began as a relief and rehabilitation effort for returning war refugees. Over the decades, it has grown into a global development organisation employing over 90,000 people and serving more than 126 million individuals across the world. With a strong focus on empowering communities, particularly women, BRAC has developed a wide range of programs in livelihoods, financial literacy, and microfinance support systems.
In 2002, BRAC introduced the Graduation Model—a comprehensive approach designed to help the poorest households transition from extreme poverty to sustainable livelihoods. This model combines asset transfers, training, financial services, and mentorship to create long-term economic independence.
Now, in Uganda, BRAC has convened with government officials, policymakers, economists, and development partners to establish a platform that will localize and integrate the Graduation approach. The Graduation Community of Practice seeks to bring systemic change by aligning the model with government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Spera Atuhairwe, Country Director at BRAC Uganda, has emphasized the importance of this initiative in creating long-lasting solutions. “This program is aimed at bringing policymakers on board to integrate the Graduation Model into government systems like PDM to create a sustainable pathway out of poverty,” she said.
Economist Fred Muhumuza from Makerere University has supported the approach, noting, “We need to help individuals acquire skills that enhance productivity. It’s not just about giving aid—it’s about building capacity.”
Timothy Lubanga, Commissioner from the Office of the Prime Minister, representing the Government of Uganda, stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration. “Strategic coordination among stakeholders is crucial to ensure that these efforts are sustainable and inclusive,” he stated.
The Graduation Model’s success has not gone unnoticed. It has received global recognition for its holistic methodology and has been adopted in 45 countries through 114 programs implemented by NGOs, governments, and multilateral institutions.
With the launch of the Graduation Community of Practice, BRAC and its partners aim to drive meaningful change in Uganda, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against poverty.