MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Denis Asiimwe Baka (DrPH)
Executive Director, DRI – Uganda
I am happy to be back home after many years! The little things we do are foundational for the bigger things we want to accomplish as a people. This applies to individuals as well as to organizations like Development & Relief Initiative – Uganda.
At DRI-UG, we enter mid 2025 with significant ambitions, in fact, our fore strategic theme for the years to come is “bigger, stronger and a better organization for -healthy communities that are socio-economically empowered.” We are working to expand our reach and the communities we serve. To do this we need to be stronger organizationally. And as we grow and work to get stronger and more resilient, we are also focused on being better at what we do. It’s a lot, I know, but the wish for better health, an economically empowered women and girls, a supportive masculine base and above all a dignified society is not for the faint hearted, but for those unapologetically strong and hopeful.
This brings me back to what we will accomplish going forward. If DRI is to have a chance at accomplishing our goals and realizing our longer-term vision, we must do the little things right. Among many other things, our priorities must be clear and orderly. Our financial affairs must be in order, evidenced by appropriate internal controls and timely completion of financial reports. We must always treat ourselves, our teammates, our partners –duty bearers, and our rights holders with kindness and respect. While each of these “wishes” are modest in their way, they each serve as essential building blocks upon which the organization will be able to thrive.
Right now, Development & Relief Initiative Uganda is at an inflection point. We have made ambitious commitments in our strategic plan to 2028, which include the rights to; education, WASH, dignified income/employment for women and girls/youth, zero poverty, sexual reproductive health –including the right for the women to manage their bodies and other human rights like the right to safe dignified settlement for the displaced.
It is truly exciting to think about these projects and initiatives and know we can make a more meaningful impact in the lives of our people.
And yet… none of this will be possible unless we take care of the so-called -little things. “If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right.” However relative your role may be to DRI – Uganda – a team member, a resident, a partner, a donor or simply a caring member of our greater community – I invite you to support our ambitious efforts in whatever way you can, starting with a little thing; following us on our social media handles, a donation, a visit at office/website, making that important call, and etc. Sharing and building up on an idea that has been floating around in your heart, mind or making that important phone call and/or writing that email you have been putting off to partner with us, get just one or two more things done today than you were planning – and maybe just a bit better than the minimum requirement – or reach out to that person who may benefit by hearing from you. In short, if we can all do just a little something more each day to make that vulnerable woman and young girl’s day a bit better, a bit easier, or a bit more productive, I am confident we will achieve our more ambitious goals and then something definitely.
It’s been quite a journey since our inception in 2012! I know it’s been said before, but I’ll say it again; Health and economic empowerment are key to unlocking life’s meaningful existence. So, as we stride on into the long distance to 2028—keep up the good work as you journey with us!
Denis Asiimwe Baka (DrPH)
Executive Director, DRI – Uganda
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear friends:
I am happy to be back home after many years! The little things we do are foundational for the bigger things we want to accomplish as a people. This applies to individuals as well as to organizations like Development & Relief Initiative – Uganda.
At DRI-UG, we enter mid 2025 with significant ambitions, in fact, our fore strategic theme for the years to come is “bigger, stronger and a better organization for -healthy communities that are socio-economically empowered.” We are working to expand our reach and the communities we serve. To do this we need to be stronger organizationally. And as we grow and work to get stronger and more resilient, we are also focused on being better at what we do. It’s a lot, I know, but the wish for better health, an economically empowered women and girls, a supportive masculine base and above all a dignified society is not for the faint hearted, but for those unapologetically strong and hopeful.
This brings me back to what we will accomplish going forward. If DRI is to have a chance at accomplishing our goals and realizing our longer-term vision, we must do the little things right. Among many other things, our priorities must be clear and orderly. Our financial affairs must be in order, evidenced by appropriate internal controls and timely completion of financial reports. We must always treat ourselves, our teammates, our partners –duty bearers, and our rights holders with kindness and respect. While each of these “wishes” are modest in their way, they each serve as essential building blocks upon which the organization will be able to thrive.
Right now, Development & Relief Initiative Uganda is at an inflection point. We have made ambitious commitments in our strategic plan to 2028, which include the rights to; education, WASH, dignified income/employment for women and girls/youth, zero poverty, sexual reproductive health –including the right for the women to manage their bodies and other human rights like the right to safe dignified settlement for the displaced.
It is truly exciting to think about these projects and initiatives and know we can make a more meaningful impact in the lives of our people.
And yet… none of this will be possible unless we take care of the so-called -little things. “If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right.” However relative your role may be to DRI – Uganda – a team member, a resident, a partner, a donor or simply a caring member of our greater community – I invite you to support our ambitious efforts in whatever way you can, starting with a little thing; following us on our social media handles, a donation, a visit at office/website, making that important call, and etc. Sharing and building up on an idea that has been floating around in your heart, mind or making that important phone call and/or writing that email you have been putting off to partner with us, get just one or two more things done today than you were planning – and maybe just a bit better than the minimum requirement – or reach out to that person who may benefit by hearing from you. In short, if we can all do just a little something more each day to make that vulnerable woman and young girl’s day a bit better, a bit easier, or a bit more productive, I am confident we will achieve our more ambitious goals and then something definitely.
It’s been quite a journey since our inception in 2012! I know it’s been said before, but I’ll say it again; Health and economic empowerment are key to unlocking life’s meaningful existence. So, as we stride on into the long distance to 2028—keep up the good work as you journey with us!
I am happy to be back home after many years! The little things we do are foundational for the bigger things we want to accomplish as a people. This applies to individuals as well as to organizations like Development & Relief Initiative – Uganda.
At DRI-UG, we enter mid 2025 with significant ambitions, in fact, our fore strategic theme for the years to come is “bigger, stronger and a better organization for -healthy communities that are socio-economically empowered.” We are working to expand our reach and the communities we serve. To do this we need to be stronger organizationally. And as we grow and work to get stronger and more resilient, we are also focused on being better at what we do. It’s a lot, I know, but the wish for better health, an economically empowered women and girls, a supportive masculine base and above all a dignified society is not for the faint hearted, but for those unapologetically strong and hopeful.
This brings me back to what we will accomplish going forward. If DRI is to have a chance at accomplishing our goals and realizing our longer-term vision, we must do the little things right. Among many other things, our priorities must be clear and orderly. Our financial affairs must be in order, evidenced by appropriate internal controls and timely completion of financial reports. We must always treat ourselves, our teammates, our partners –duty bearers, and our rights holders with kindness and respect. While each of these “wishes” are modest in their way, they each serve as essential building blocks upon which the organization will be able to thrive.
Right now, Development & Relief Initiative Uganda is at an inflection point. We have made ambitious commitments in our strategic plan to 2028, which include the rights to; education, WASH, dignified income/employment for women and girls/youth, zero poverty, sexual reproductive health –including the right for the women to manage their bodies and other human rights like the right to safe dignified settlement for the displaced.
It is truly exciting to think about these projects and initiatives and know we can make a more meaningful impact in the lives of our people.
And yet… none of this will be possible unless we take care of the so-called -little things. “If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right.” However relative your role may be to DRI – Uganda – a team member, a resident, a partner, a donor or simply a caring member of our greater community – I invite you to support our ambitious efforts in whatever way you can, starting with a little thing; following us on our social media handles, a donation, a visit at office/website, making that important call, and etc. Sharing and building up on an idea that has been floating around in your heart, mind or making that important phone call and/or writing that email you have been putting off to partner with us, get just one or two more things done today than you were planning – and maybe just a bit better than the minimum requirement – or reach out to that person who may benefit by hearing from you. In short, if we can all do just a little something more each day to make that vulnerable woman and young girl’s day a bit better, a bit easier, or a bit more productive, I am confident we will achieve our more ambitious goals and then something definitely.
It’s been quite a journey since our inception in 2012! I know it’s been said before, but I’ll say it again; Health and economic empowerment are key to unlocking life’s meaningful existence. So, as we stride on into the long distance to 2028—keep up the good work as you journey with us!
Denis Baka Asiimwe (DrPH)
Executive Director