by Paulinho Muzaliwa Josaphat
Founder and leader of UNIDOS in Uganda.
I was forced to flee my country in 2017, leaving behind everything I knew, my home, my community, my dreams. What I carried with me was uncertainty, fear, and a desperate hope for a space where I could feel a sense of belonging, dignity, and possibility. Arriving in Uganda as a refugee, I faced the harsh realities that many displaced people endure: the loss of stability, the shrinking support of humanitarian aid, and the looming question of how to survive and rebuild a life from nothing.
In those early days, I met other young people who shared similar experiences and aspirations. Together, we started with nothing, no resources, no funding, no equipment. All we had was our passion, courage, and the unwavering belief that, together, we could survive, rebuild, and thrive.
Our dream was simple, yet bold: to transform refugee settlements into regenerative communities, places where everyone could grow abundant food, access clean water, receive quality education, and live healthy, dignified lives. This vision was not born from abstract ideals; it grew from our lived realities. We had experienced the fear and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, seen humanitarian aid shrink year after year, and witnessed the consequences of infertile soils and climate shocks that made growing food increasingly difficult. The rising food insecurity and desperation were realities we could not ignore.
So we began co-creating holistic, local, and affordable solutions to these complex challenges. What started as a small group of 30 people has grown into a thriving network of thousands of youth, women, farmers, and families, working together and gaining global recognition for what a refugee community can achieve when empowered to act.
Facing the Challenges Head-On
Refugee settlements are often seen through the lens of vulnerability, yet they are hubs of untapped potential. Over the last three to five years, our refugee-led interventions in Nakivale Refugee Settlement have addressed critical challenges such as food insecurity, land degradation, youth unemployment, and climate vulnerability. These efforts contribute directly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
The hardships we faced were real: infertile soils, unpredictable rainfall, and limited access to resources made agricultural productivity difficult. For youth, there were few Paulinho’s story employment opportunities, while families struggled to access quality nutrition. Climate variability threatened livelihoods, and traditional aid programs could only reach so far. It became clear that lasting change could only come from within the community, through solutions that were locally led, contextually appropriate, and ecologically sustainable.
Building Solutions: The Birth of Regesoil
Our response was to innovate, starting with small but impactful interventions that could grow organically. We founded the Regesoil Project, a community-led initiative that transforms waste into resources and restores degraded lands.
Through Regesoil, we recycle community food waste into 15 tons of vermicompost annually, using worms to convert organic matter into nutrient-rich fertilizer. Simultaneously, we convert agricultural residues into 50 tons of biochar each year, enriching the soil and improving water retention while sequestering carbon. These interventions address multiple challenges simultaneously: improving food security, regenerating infertile soils, and reducing the environmental footprint of waste.
The results speak for themselves. Among the 1,200 farmers trained in regenerative agriculture techniques, 60% report yield increases of up to 58%, directly improving the food security of their households. The initiative also empowers young people, creating 100 youth jobs in activities such as compost production, biochar manufacturing, and food forest maintenance. Through co-creation efforts, the community has planted 10,000 native and food trees, restoring biodiversity, enhancing microclimates, and creating long-term environmental resilience.
Regenerative practices also contribute to climate action. Our interventions sequester 138 tons of CO₂ per year, providing tangible solutions to climate change in a region that is particularly vulnerable to environmental shocks.
Beyond Agriculture: Advocacy and Community Engagement
While practical solutions were essential, we recognized that lasting impact requires awareness and empowerment. Through climate justice and advocacy campaigns, we reached 5,000 community members, distributing 2,500 practical guides on composting, biochar use, and food forest co-creation. These guides serve not only as educational tools but also as a way to build community ownership over environmental and agricultural practices.
This combination of hands-on solutions, training, and advocacy has strengthened community cohesion and inspired others to take action. Our work demonstrates that Paulinho’s story
© 2026 by Paulinho Muzaliwa Josaphat
SHARE:
RATINGS:
Ed -- yeah, I'd vastly prefer not paying close attention to politics. I've always liked to keep up just enough…