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15 Years of Impact

2 Million Lives. One Unshakeable Network.

SAF-Teso is a UN-accredited indigenous non-profit organization founded in 2009, rooted in the Teso sub-region of Uganda, operating at the intersection of community leadership and global policy.

Since 2009

Bridging grassroots action with global policy.

Shine Africa Foundation – Teso (SAF-TESO) is an indigenous non-profit organization dedicated to fostering healthy, resilient, and empowered communities across the Teso sub-region of Eastern Uganda.

Over fifteen years, SAF-Teso has evolved into a strategic coordinating hub for over 300 Community-Based Organizations, driving measurable transformation through local leadership, sustainable conservation, health equity, and international advocacy.

Our Mission

To promote healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities through community-led action, health equity, environmental stewardship, and rights advocacy.

Our Vision

A thriving, equitable, and empowered Teso sub-region where every individual achieves their full potential and lives in a protected environment.

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SAF-Teso Community Fieldwork
2009 – 2026

Fifteen Years of Tangible Results

Every number represents real individuals, restored lake ecosystems, and empowered community members across Uganda.

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Health & Prevention Reach
Reached over 1M people with HIV/TB/STI prevention and enrolled 267 youth in clinic services.
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Trees Planted & Survived
60-75% survival rate with 4 community green taskforces restoring local microclimates.
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Youth Skilled in Vocations
65% transitioned directly to self-employment, micro-enterprises, and apprenticeships.
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Grassroots CBOs Coordinated
Active networks holding UN ECOSOC consultative status, UNEP and UNCAC memberships.
Our Strategic Objectives

What We Do

We work across six integrated thematic areas designed to address structural challenges at the root level.

01

Health Access & Equity

Promoting maternal/child healthcare, SRHR services, HIV/TB/malaria prevention, WASH, and routine immunization campaigns.

1,000,000+ reached · 267 youth enrolled in clinic services
02

Environment & Climate

Advancing conservation, sustainable agriculture, lake restoration along Lake Kyoga, disaster risk reduction, and green taskforces.

35,000 trees planted · 4 community taskforces established
03

Youth & Women Empowerment

Strengthening livelihoods through hands-on skilling, financial literacy, village savings associations, and disability inclusion.

567 youth skilled · 65% in active self-employment
04

Human Rights & Peace

Monitoring rights violations, preventing gender-based violence, community paralegal support, and deepening local governance.

26,000 reached · 1,200 human rights cases documented & resolved
05

Zero Waste & Storytelling

Championing zero-waste villages, circular economy models, organic composting, plastic recycling, and grassroots documentary.

Make A Difference Week (MADW) · 500+ volunteer network
06

Partnerships & Global Advocacy

Coordinating 300+ grassroots organizations, participating in UN treaties, UNEP assemblies, and international civic dialogues.

UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status · UNEP & UNCAC Observer
Explore All Six Pillars
Stories From The Field

Latest News & Insights

Discover how our community programs, policy advocacy, and field initiatives are creating sustainable impact.

Zero Waste Villages
May 2026 Environment

Zero Waste Villages: Restoring Teso – MADW 2026

SAF-TESO proposes to host a Make a Difference Week (MADW) 2026 community restoration event mobilizing students, youth, and clan leaders in Serere and Soroti.

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Water Safety Lake Kyoga
July 2026 Fisherfolk Safety

When Experience Becomes Overconfidence

Addressing the cultural perception of water risk among seasoned fishermen on Lake Kyoga and establishing community-level lifejacket protocols.

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Polio Eradication Campaign
July 2026 Public Health

Every Child Deserves a Future Free from Polio

Advocating for routine immunization sessions, combating misinformation, and ensuring no child in remote Teso misses their essential vaccines.

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Active Memberships & Networks

Our Partners & Accreditations

UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status
UNEP Accredited Observer
UNCAC Civil Society Coalition
Lake Kyoga Fisherfolk Network
Uganda Ministry of Health
Teso CBO Coordination Hub
Zero Waste Africa Alliance
Eastern Africa Grassroots Health
UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status
UNEP Accredited Observer
UNCAC Civil Society Coalition
Lake Kyoga Fisherfolk Network
Uganda Ministry of Health
Teso CBO Coordination Hub
Zero Waste Africa Alliance
Eastern Africa Grassroots Health

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