Against the Odds: How Refugees in Terego Are Building Sustainable Futures

In Terego District, a group of South Sudanese refugees is proving that, with determination and collective action, refugees can chart their own path to prosperity and resilience.

Formed in 2021, Kuru Ku Piyo in Omugo settlement, Terego district, initially started as a farming group. However, the rocky and infertile land in their settlement made farming increasingly difficult. Faced with dwindling aid and realizing the limitations of farming, the group transitioned into a savings and business initiative, determined to build a sustainable livelihood for its 40 members, 35 of whom are women.

“When we first arrived here in 2018, we received 12 kilograms of maize and 4 kilograms of beans,” says Charity Depaya, the group’s chairperson. “Now, that support has dwindled to just UGX 14,000, and we’ve been warned it will decrease further. We must find ways to survive on our own.”

The shift from farming to a savings and business group was a turning point. The group began buying sorghum during harvest season when prices are low and selling it at higher prices during scarcity, which allowed them to generate income. This strategy helped the group stay afloat, but they quickly realized that success wasn’t just about having produce—it was about having the skills to manage money, run businesses, and plan for the future.

In 2024, the group received training in business and financial skills from UN Women’s partner, OXFAM. With funding from Government of Norway, UN Women is implementing the Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Protection (LEAP) project that aims at promoting positive coping mechanisms amongst refugees. To date the LEAP project has built the capacity 105 refugee savings groups with financial literacy and business management skills enabling them to engage in a variety of business activities that include poultry keeping, retail and micro-business ventures, produce dealing, goat rearing, and crop production among others.

Before the training, members borrowed money to start businesses but lacked the skills to succeed. Waka, a member of the group, recalls how her first business failed due to poor financial management.

“I borrowed 6 USD to sell coffee, but I ended up drinking most of it myself,” she laughs. “The business collapsed.”

In 2024, the group received vital business skills training. Suddenly, concepts like budgeting, record-keeping, and strategic investment became clear. Waka borrowed 14 USD this time, used 6 USD to pay her child’s school fees and invested the rest into her coffee business. Six months later, her capital grew from 8 USD to 22 USD.

Eliana Gaba, 59, also transformed her life after the training. Living next to a busy road, she saw the potential for a food stall. Borrowing 14 USD, Eliana started the business, which is now worth 35 USD. “I can now provide for my family and supplement the meagre aid we get as refugees,” she says.
 

Kuru Ku Piyo’s success extends beyond financial growth. It’s an example of how refugees can take control of their futures. Unlike other groups that dissolve after external funding ends, Kuru Ku Piyo has thrived because it was built on shared purpose and vision. Moses Ombaga, the group’s secretary, explains, “What makes us different is that we started this ourselves, with no external influence. We all had a vision, and that vision has kept us going.”

The group’s plans are even more ambitious. By 2026, they aim to open a produce store and grinding mill and invest in transport for distributing goods. They also hope to provide school fees for each member’s child.

Beyond financial growth, the group provides invaluable social support. When one of their members lost everything in a devastating fire, the group banded together to rebuild her home. They collected materials, provided labor, and even furnished the house with necessities at no cost to the affected member, which exemplifies the solidarity that defines Kuru Ku Piyo.

“Ours is a group that goes beyond just financial support. We look after one another in every way,” says Charity. “Even when peace returns to South Sudan and we can return to our country, we hope to continue working as a group. This bond is unbreakable.”