Embracing Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow

Open Arms Community Development Initiatives is dedicated to empowering communities through sustainable development, environmental stewardship, education, and healthcare.

Discover Our Impact

About Open Arms Community Development Initiatives (OACDI)

Founded in 2021 and registered in Uganda (Registration: INDP0005363NB; NGO Permit: INDR160065363NB), Open Arms Community Development Initiatives (OACDI) is a dedicated non-profit organization based in Kalangala District on the Ssese Islands. We are committed to transforming lives in Uganda's island communities by addressing key challenges in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Through innovative programs and community-driven approaches, OACDI brings hope, support, and lasting positive change to underserved populations.

Our Mission

Open Arms transforms lives through comprehensive initiatives in education (impacting over 1,000 youth), healthcare (serving more than 5,000 individuals), economic empowerment (supporting 500+ families), and community development. We strive to foster resilient communities that thrive amidst the unique challenges of island life, promoting self-sufficiency and well-being for all.

Strategic Objectives

  • Improve livelihoods by expanding access to safe water and sanitation.
  • Enhance health outcomes and promote economic productivity in island communities.
  • Drive economic empowerment through agribusiness initiatives and youth-focused vocational training.
  • Strengthen service delivery by advocating for good governance and community participation.
  • Reduce unemployment by offering comprehensive vocational skills training programs.
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OACDI Activities

Theory of Change

OACDI envisages transforming the communities that it serves through the following creed. If OACDI strengthens its internal systems and structures, it will attain adequate capacity to support broader integrated programs. If OACDI attains adequate capacity to implement a broader integrated program, it will be in a position to reach out to more communities with interventions that are tailored to their social and economic needs. If community social and economic needs are adequately addressed, their welfare will improve and hence quality of life. If OACDI empowers communities with knowledge and skills to voice out their concerns, the quality-of-service delivery among local governments will improve.

Our Trusted Partners

We collaborate with global organizations to drive sustainable community development and make a lasting impact.

UN Women collaboration

COMESA

COMESA Suporiting Small and Medium Scale Fisheries producers: Sustainable regional and global value chains

UNNGOF partnership

UNNGOF

UGANDA NATIONAL NGO Forum (UNNGOF ) Supporting capacity building, good governance sharing, and networking

NCHRD-U

NCHRD-U

NATIONAL COALITION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS UGANDA (NCHRD-U) Institutional support and retooling

CIDI

CIDI

Community Integrated Development Initiative (CIDI ) and Senor without Borders(SWB) Supporting Climate Change and Natural resources

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Join OACDI in empowering Uganda's island communities! Support our mission to provide healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Donate, volunteer, or partner with us to transform lives and foster a brighter future. Get involved today!

Our Programs

Based in Kalangala District, Ssese Islands, Uganda, Open Arms Community Development Initiatives (OACDI) drives transformative change through targeted programs addressing critical community needs.

Water Sanitation and Hygiene Program

Water Sanitation and Hygiene Program (WASH)

OACDI's WASH program empowers Uganda's marginalized communities through software & hardware initiatives, improving access to clean water, sanitation & hygiene.

Sustainable Agriculture Program

Sustainable Agriculture Program

OACDI's Agriculture program boosts Uganda's economy by enhancing production, productivity, and entrepreneurship, targeting youth, farmers, and natural resources, aligned with SDGs 1 & 2.

Policy Advocacy Program

Policy Advocacy Program

Open Arms Policy Advocacy: Championing human rights, social justice, and inclusive development in Uganda through research, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Housing Program

Housing Program

We Provide shelter to the most vulnerable islanders on Bugala Islands

Food Security Program

Food Security Program

OACDI Staff conducting research on food security in Karamoja region

Transport Program

Transport Program

Different Island district leaders, residents and OACDI inspect works along Lutakome road trying to find the better way of solving to problem of poor transport in the main roads of Kalangala district

Education Support Program

Education Support Program

Teaching essential social and economic skills to children and youth, equipping them for a brighter future.

Plastic Recycling Program

Plastic Recycling Program

Collecting and recycling plastic materials to reduce land pollution and protect the Ssese Islands' fragile ecosystem.

Plastic Recycling Program

Fishing Program

Promoting sustainable fishing practices to protect marine biodiversity and support local livelihoods.

Support Our Work

Support a Project

  • Health
  • Education
  • Nature conservation
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Fisheries, Conservation and Agriculture
  • Support Research and Training
  • Housing
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Support Us

  • We can do it with you
  • Replant trees
  • Ensure sanitation
  • Teach others how best to do it
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We Appreciate Any Support

  • Institutional Support and Training
  • Clothings
  • Scholastic materials
  • You can donate school fees
  • We appreciate any donations
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Meet the Open Arms passionate and dedicated Team!

Open Arms Team: Passionate professionals & volunteers dedicated to empowering vulnerable Ugandan communities through education, healthcare & economic empowerment, led by Executive Director Mr. Ssemugenyi Sylvester and directed by Mr Maalo Edward.

Maalo Edward, Founder and the Director

Maalo Edward

Founder and the Director

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Meet Maalo Edward, passionate philanthropist & founder of Open Arms Community Development Initiatives. Dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities in Kalangala district through education, healthcare & economic empowerment.

Co-Founder

Nagawa Juliet

Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor

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Nagawa Juliet is a Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor, brings extensive experience in community development and strategic planning. Her visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping Open Arms' mission and expanding our impact across Uganda's island communities.

Ssemugenyi Sylvester, Executive Director

Ssemugenyi Sylvester

Executive Director

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Empowering Kalangala's vulnerable communities, Ssemugenyi Sylvester leads Open Arms Community Development Initiatives with compassion & dedication.

Laurence Namuwonge, Accountant

Laurence Namuwonge

Accountant

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Laurence Namuwonge, Accountant, Open Arms Community Development Initiatives. Dedicated finance expert ensuring transparency and accountability, Laurence manages Open Arms' resources with precision and passion, fueling community transformation in Uganda Island districts.

Ssenyonjo Suleman, Education and Human Rights

Ssenyonjo Suleman

Education and Human Rights

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Ssenyonjo Suleman, Education & Human Rights Officer, Open Arms. Championing access to quality education and human rights for vulnerable communities in Island Districts of Uganda, Suleman advocates for children's rights and empowers future leaders.

Namubiru Damallie, Senior Program Officer

Namubiru Damallie

Senior Program Officer

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Namubiru Damalie, Senior Programs Officer, Open Arms. Compassionate leader driving community transformation, Namubiru oversees programs empowering vulnerable families in Kalangala district, ensuring holistic support and sustainable change.

Amos Takahebwa, Founding Board Member

Amos Takahebwa

Founding Board Member

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Amos Tekahebwa, Board Member, Open Arms. Seasoned expert offering strategic guidance, Amos provides valuable insights and advice to propel Open Arms' mission, empowering vulnerable communities in Kalangala district.

Ssekalala Pascol, Founding Board Member

Ssekalala Pascol

Founding Board Member

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Ssekalala Pascol, Board Member, Open Arms. Seasoned expert offering strategic guidance, provides valuable insights and advice to propel Open Arms' mission, empowering vulnerable communities in Kalangala district.

Rev.Fr.Ggonzaga, Founding Board Member

Rev.Fr.Ggonzaga

Founding Board Member

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Rev.Fr.Ggonzaga, Board Member, Open Arms. Seasoned expert offering strategic guidance, Rev.Fr Ggonzaga provides valuable insights and advice to propel Open Arms' mission, empowering spiritual guidance and spreading gospel throughout vulnerable communities in Kalangala district.

Namaganda Florence, Founding Board Member

Namaganda Florence

Founding Board Member

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Namaganda Florence, Board Member, Open Arms. Seasoned expert offering strategic guidance, provides valuable insights and advice to propel Open Arms' mission, empowering vulnerable communities in Kalangala district.

TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE MANY LIVES AND PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS

What People Say

Open Arms transformed our community with vital resources and support.

- Community Leader

Their conservation work has made a real difference in our environment.

- Environmental Advocate

Access to education and healthcare has changed lives here.

- Beneficiary

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Contact Us

Contact: oacdi256@gmail.com | +256 7830779653 | +44 7594969835

Based in Kalangala District, Ssese Islands, Uganda

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