About Resilience From Within
Based in Gulu City, Northern Uganda, Resilience From Within (RFW) is a registered non-profit community-based organization focused on ending poverty by fostering inner strength. We partner directly with women and youth, equipping them with mindfulness tools and entrepreneurship skills to drive community-led change.
Our Guiding Purpose
Our Mission
To build the inner capacities of women and youth in Northern Uganda, fostering resilience to end poverty.
Our Vision
We envision a Northern Uganda where communities are economically empowered and self-sustainable, where resilient individuals have overcome the trauma of conflict, built thriving community-led businesses, and established a foundation for long-term prosperity and well-being – shifting from aid reliance to self-determined futures.
Resilience From Within was born out of both personal experience and a deep concern for our community's future. I was inspired by my work with Global Grassroots, where over nine years I witnessed firsthand how empowering women and girls through mindfulness could spark significant, positive social change.
At the same time, multiple reports on poverty in Uganda—highlighting that 64% of the population in the Acholi subregion lives in poverty—spurred me to look beyond the numbers. I saw that the enduring legacy of conflict, which officially ended in 2006, has left lasting psychological scars. Even though people now enjoy political freedom, decades of conflict have deprived them of opportunities and left deep emotional and economic wounds.
While working within my own community, I observed remarkable transformations. I also heard clear calls for a more comprehensive approach that connects personal resilience with sustainable livelihoods. When Global Grassroots ended its operations in East Africa in 2023, it created a critical void. This missing support reinforced my belief that lasting impact requires addressing both the internal barriers—such as the trauma and stress stemming from years of conflict—and the external challenges like energy scarcity and limited agricultural value addition.
Drawing from these insights and my background in mindful leadership, I founded Resilience From Within. Our initiative is designed to integrate mindfulness with social entrepreneurship. By doing so, we aim to empower our community to develop their own solutions and create shared, sustainable growth. This work is about addressing the full picture—making tangible changes that honor our past struggles while building a more resilient, economically vibrant future for northern Uganda.
Our Mission isn't Just Organizational, It's Personal.
"As the founder of Resilience From Within (RFW), this mission comes directly from my experience as part of the Acholi community in Northern Uganda. I understand the daily struggles because I have lived them."
Why Our Work Matters in Northern Uganda
Northern Uganda, particularly the Acholi Sub-region, bears the heavy burden of a two-decade conflict that displaced millions and disrupted lives. The consequences persist today:
- Deep Poverty: 64% of the population lives below the poverty line (UBOS, 2022), struggling far behind national recovery rates.
- Skills Gap: Prolonged displacement disrupted education and training, leaving many adults limited to subsistence farming, lacking skills for productivity or value addition.
- Psycho-Social Barriers: Deep-seated trauma impacts mental well-being, risk-taking, collaboration, and the ability to pursue economic independence confidently.
- Limited Opportunities: Especially for women and youth, pathways to meaningful livelihoods beyond basic survival remain scarce.
Traditional aid often misses the crucial link between emotional well-being and economic success. RFW exists to bridge this gap, offering a holistic path forward.
What Makes RFW Different & Innovative
RFW is fundamentally different because we tackle the root causes hindering progress in post-conflict settings:
Mindfulness + Entrepreneurship
We uniquely build *both* inner emotional resilience and practical business acumen, empowering participants (especially women) to manage stress, make grounded decisions, and lead sustainable ventures.
Truly Community-Driven
Groups co-identify priority issues and co-design/co-own enterprises, fostering deep shared responsibility and countering past negative NGO experiences.
Co-Investment & Ownership
Our model integrates with local savings practices. Members invest time, savings, and labor, reinforcing commitment and ensuring collective benefit through revenue-sharing.
By holistically addressing psycho-social, economic, community-ownership, and environmental dimensions, we foster self-determination and prove a model for resilient, community-led growth beyond aid dependency.
Local Leadership, Global Expertise
Our team combines deep local understanding with proven experience in community development, mindfulness, and program management. We are committed to walking alongside the communities we serve.
Francis Kumakech
Founder & Executive Director
With nine years of experience at Global Grassroots, Francis Kumakech is a passionate leader... [rest of bio] ...dedicated to creating lasting positive change.
Makareber Jackline
Administrative Assistant, Programs
Jackline holds a Bachelor of Development Studies... [rest of bio] ...with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Abitimo Sally Florence
Program Associate
Florence, a Bachelor of Development Studies graduate... [rest of bio] ...vital member of Resilience from Within's mission.
Commitment to Governance
RFW is committed to strong oversight and is establishing a Board of Directors with diverse expertise to guide our strategic direction and ensure accountability.
Our Valued Partners
Focused Impact in Gulu, Northern Uganda
Our work is currently centered in Gulu City, Northern Uganda, a region brimming with potential despite the challenges of post-conflict recovery. We are deeply rooted in this community and committed to fostering local solutions.
Gulu serves as a hub for the Acholi sub-region, allowing us to engage directly with communities rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.
Be Part of the Transformation
You have the power to help rewrite the future for women and youth in Northern Uganda. By supporting RFW, you invest in a proven, community-led model that nurtures both inner strength and economic opportunity.