SOME HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ABOUT LIDEFO

The Liberty Development Foundation (LIDEFO) is a community based non-government organisation founded in 2002 in Uganda, by a group of men and women in Kasese Town Council, Kasese District to address the challenges of poor education and socio-economic incompetence which were rampant. LIDEFO is a membership organisation which currently has thirty five members from Kasese Town Council, Kilembe and Mahango sub-counties.

LIDEFO’s aim is to unlock the potentials of people, improving their lives through training and education; empowering them as individuals with skills that will improve their economic status and strengthen participatory development.

LIDEFO has been established to support practices that accelerate the progress of human development with a view to eradicate poverty, achieve equitable and sustained economic growth, and capacity building. All LIDEFO technical support, advocacy, and contributions are aimed at strengthening coherence in rural and urban development, and the achievement of real improvements in people’s lives.

Central to the human development approach is the concept of human empowerment, which in addition to generating income, provides a means to accessing education and health care, a respect for diversity and protection from violence. In addition, the preservation of the environment is fundamental to LIDEFO and the well-being of the community.

A LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT KASESE

The Kasese District in Uganda lies between latitudes 0o-12’S and 0o–26 N; and longitudes 29o–42’W and 30o–18E; and is bordered to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The population of Kasese District is estimated at 602,515. The population is concentrated on the stretch between the Rwenzori Mountains and the western rift valley basin. The rural population growth rate is over 6.4 per cent per annum in this zone and is causing pressure that is leading to massive degradation and diminishing productivity of the land especially due to inappropriate farming methods.

Kasese district is one of the most underdeveloped districts in Uganda, due to various problems. Between 1962 and 2001, there have been various conflicts and difficulties ranging from cultural, land, ethnic, political violence, rebel activities and poverty. The area has struggled with development compared to other parts of the country. The first secondary school was built in 1975, while other parts of the country like the capital Kampala had their first secondary school in 1875. Kasese District does not have colleges that offer the standard of education and training that lead to self-reliance. There are no communication and information technology facilities in any of the learning centers and many youths who drop out school are not given further opportunities to gain enterprising skills for income generation.

Among other natural beauties the area has two national parks and lakes and wildlife as tourist attractions. Mount Rwenzori, a snow capped mountain on the equator is exceptional for holiday makers; and Queen Elizabeth and Mount Rwenzori National Parks boast extraordinary scenery.