Project Kunihira: Sparking Hope for Families in Fort Portal, Uganda
Fort Portal, Uganda (April 24, 2025) — In the heart of western Uganda, a powerful movement is underway. On September 18, 2024, a generous trust and Street Business School (SBS) launched “Project Kunihira”—named after the word for hope in Rutooro. This initiative is set to transform the lives of 800 women in Fort Portal through SBS’s practical, life-changing program.
Why Fort Portal?
Nestled in the lush hills of Kabarole District, Fort Portal is home to over 54,000 people, with many more in surrounding rural areas. While rich in natural beauty, the region grapples with persistent challenges: high unemployment, limited access to healthcare and education, and a heavy dependence on subsistence farming.
For women, the barriers are even greater. They face poverty, illiteracy, overwhelming household responsibilities, and minimal involvement in decision-making processes. Natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides, coupled with one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the country, only compound these difficulties. In Fort Portal, where women have long lacked economic power, Project Kunihira offers a game-changing opportunity.
Kicking off their journey! Some of our program participants during orientation, ready to learn and grow.
A Vision for Transformation
Project Kunihira aims to spark deep, lasting change by building a vibrant presence in Fort Portal within a year, rooted in strong local partnerships. As we climb the mountain of fighting extreme poverty together, we aim to measure progress by understanding how this pilot’s impact compares to the magnitude of the regional challenge. Beyond its direct impact, our vision is to create delightful results in areas such as education, showcasing the broader potential of the Street Business School model.
SBS has donor support to fund the pilot phase and help embed the program locally, partnering with institutions like Divine Mercy School to ensure long-term sustainability.
Beyond Income: A Ripple Effect
At its core, Project Kunihira aims to reach 800 women using SBS’s innovative Community-Based Trainer (CBT) model (Learn more here). But its goals go beyond financial uplift.
By empowering women to start and grow small businesses, the project also aims to boost children’s school attendance and household stability, benefiting entire families and communities. SBS’s hands-on training helps women build confidence, financial literacy, and business skills, turning them into entrepreneurs and community role models.
How the Project Will Unfold
The program launched in March 2025. Over 12 months, 800 women will be trained in two rounds:
- Round 1: March to July 2025 – 10 cohorts (400 women)
- Round 2: August to December 2025 – 10 cohorts (400 women)
Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for July and December. SBS will also implement a “Pause and Reflect” strategy between rounds, gathering feedback to refine delivery.
Baseline and endline data will measure success, with Divine Mercy School providing insights on school attendance.
Hear from one of our newest Community-Based Trainers! During orientation, Davis shared his excitement about preparing to train women in Fort Portal: (CBT Davis’s interview)
Scaling for Greater Impact
Project Kunihira serves as proof of concept. If successful, it could be scaled to other regions in Uganda and beyond. SBS will document lessons learned and pursue additional support for expansion.
An Annual Celebration and Reflection Event will bring together stakeholders to celebrate milestones and plan for future growth. This is just the beginning. We envision the lessons learned here sparking a much larger movement for lasting economic empowerment.
Building Brighter Futures—One Woman at a Time
As Fort Portal continues to face economic hardship, Project Kunihira shines as a beacon of hope. With passionate partners, a proven model, and the unwavering spirit of local women, the project is poised to make lasting change for generations to come.
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