Rwenzori Centre for Research and Advocacy (RCRA) Uganda was founded in 2010, as a non-profit organisation by a group of social workers and scientists. It fosters innovations to improve the lives of women and children across Kasese District, Western Uganda.
RCRA Uganda's core work increases access to primary healthcare for thousands of families in the Rwenzori Mountains. In addition, their tree-planting and kitchen garden projects aim to empower communities to improve their livelihoods through sustainable development, improved natural resource management and better food security.
CHASE Africa formed a partnership with RCRA in 2019. With funding from CHASE Africa, RCRA’s programme increases access to primary healthcare, including family planning services, and builds climate-resilient families.
RCRA Uganda achieves its objectives through a range of interventions including: awareness-raising dialogues, health clubs in schools, outreach clinics, door-to-door home visits, Backpack Nurse outreaches, construction of energy-saving cooking stoves, and the establishment of kitchen gardens in homes and schools.
RCRA Uganda run a medical clinic, which has been designed to be adolescent- and youth-friendly. There is a youth centre attached to the clinic where a range of activities and trainings take place.
RCRA Uganda has also initiated a school-based puppetry project that tours schools in the district and performs a show that highlights key public health messaging. This has been produced with liaison with the Ministry of Health. These performances are followed by a dialogue session which provides a platform for people to express concerns, ask questions and share ideas.
RCRA Uganda also runs activities to raise awareness about HIV, to reduce infection and transmission; and to support those who are living with the condition.