Inclusive Needs Assessment in Nakivale

One of the survey respondents interacts with an NSAP baseline surveyor.

Community Voices Lead the Way: NSAP Completes Inclusive Needs Assessment in Nakivale.

As Native Synergy Against Poverty (NSAP), we are a newly established NGO in Uganda committed to sustainable development and social justice. We have just completed our first major milestone—an ambitious baseline survey conducted in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, located in Isingiro District, Southwestern Uganda. The 20-day assessment marks the beginning of a long-term vision to improve the lives of both refugee and host communities in one of Uganda’s most complex humanitarian settings.

Listening First: The Foundation of Change

Led by a multidisciplinary team of development and humanitarian professionals, NSAP’s survey aimed to capture a full picture of life in Nakivale. The team worked closely with local authorities, community-based organizations, and culturally competent field enumerators to reach respondents across the settlement’s three major zones—Base Camp, Rubondo, and Juru—as well as nearby host communities.

The effort was rooted in a deep commitment to inclusion. Vulnerable groups—including women, children, persons with disabilities, youth, and the elderly—were at the heart of the data collection process. The result? A trove of rich, community-driven insights that will shape tailored interventions based on lived realities.

A Comprehensive Look at Community Needs

NSAP’s assessment explored 14 key development themes, ranging from livelihoods and food security to environmental sustainability, gender equality, and psychosocial support. The goal was clear: to ensure that any intervention responds not just to immediate needs, but also to long-term aspirations.

“We didn’t just want to gather numbers; we wanted to understand the deeper challenges people face daily,” said one NSAP field supervisor. “Through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, we heard directly from the people what change should look like.”

Why Nakivale?

Home to more than 130,000 refugees from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Somalia, and Rwanda, Nakivale is one of the oldest and most diverse refugee settlements in Africa. Despite its resilience, the settlement and surrounding communities continue to face chronic challenges—limited access to livelihoods, strained natural resources, and pressure on social services.

“Western Uganda, and Nakivale in particular, represents a critical intersection of humanitarian and development needs,” explained a spokesperson from NSAP. “To move forward, we must understand the full landscape—from food security to peacebuilding.”

What Comes Next?

While the fieldwork wrapped up on March 20, 2025, NSAP is now entering the analysis phase. A detailed report of findings and strategic recommendations is expected soon. This will guide the design of integrated programs that emphasize community empowerment, local ownership, and impact at scale.

As NSAP looks to the future, this baseline survey is more than data—it is a promise to stay grounded in the voices of the people and build solutions that truly resonate.

“We are here to work with communities, not just for them,” the NSAP team emphasized. “This survey is only the beginning.”