ABOUT
RECI FOUNDATION

RECI is a community-based organization registered under the local government of Kagadi District in Uganda_______. The organization is located in Rwamabale, a village in Busirabo parish, Kagadi sub county, within Kagadi District in the Western Region of Uganda. The district was established on July 1, 2012, following the subdivision of the former Kibaale District into three distinct districts: Kagadi, Kakumiro, and Kibaale.

Culturally, the inhabitants of Rwamabale Community are predominantly from the Bantu ethnic groups, with the Runyoro-Rutooro language being widely spoken. Traditional customs and practices play a significant role in the community's social fabric.

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The community faces several challenges, most of which are socio-economic, that affect the wellbeing of its residents. These rotate around mainly Poverty i.e. lack of access to proper education, gender-based violence, early marriages, lack of access to proper health etc., and Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) i.e. teenage pregnancies, forced marriages, maternal deaths and post-natal health issues, school dropouts, etc.

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The village experiences high levels of poverty, with many households struggling to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Most residents depend on subsistence farming, which provides low and unreliable incomes. Limited access to markets and poor infrastructure further worsen economic conditions, making it difficult for families to break the cycle of poverty. The lack of clean water and inadequate sanitation facilities also contribute to poor health conditions, increasing the burden of diseases like malaria, typhoid, and malnutrition.

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Education in Rwamabale community remains a major challenge, as all children are from low-income families. Many parents cannot afford school fees, uniforms, and scholastic materials, leading to high dropout rates. While the government has introduced Universal Primary Education (UPE), many children still fail to complete their studies due to poverty.

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The situation is even worse for girls, as cultural beliefs and financial struggles force many families to prioritize boys' education over girls. As a result, many girls drop out of school at an early age, further limiting their future opportunities.

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Due to poverty and cultural traditions, early marriages are common in Rwamabale community. Some parents marry off their daughters at a young age in exchange for dowry as a way of securing financial relief. This practice denies girls their right to education and subjects them to early pregnancies, which often lead to severe health complications such as fistula, malnutrition, and even maternal death.

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The lack of reproductive health education and access to contraceptives also contributes to the high rate of teenage pregnancies. Many young girls, without proper guidance or support, become mothers before they are physically and emotionally prepared.

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Domestic violence is another significant issue in Rwamabale Community. Many women experience gender-based violence due to deeply rooted norms, economic hardships, and alcohol abuse among men. Women and children often suffer physical and emotional abuse, leading to broken families.

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As a result of domestic violence and early pregnancies, the number of single mothers in the village is increasing. Many women are left to raise children alone, without financial or emotional support from the fathers. These single mothers struggle to provide basic needs for their children, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and vulnerability.