Our Story

Learn about our journey from a small farmers' group to a recognized community development Association

Our History

OIDA originated in 2003 as the Odieritok Farmers' Field School, initiated by local women in Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county. The goal was to empower women through training in income-generating activities, promote girl child education, and tackle challenges related to poverty, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, and domestic violence.

The organization also championed peacebuilding, particularly in the wake of cattle rustling conflicts between the Teso and Karamojong communities. Women believed peace was essential to achieve development and poverty reduction.

In March 2006, under the leadership of Ms. Adyango, the group resolved to register as a Community-Based Organization (CBO). This shift enabled wider community engagement, increased visibility, support for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs), and access to government and NGO partnerships.

Following approvals from the local to the district level, OIDA was officially registered as a CBO on 16th December 2011.

Community meeting

Our Vision & Mission

Women working together

Vision

A socio-economically progressive community where women actively participate in development and have their rights respected.

Mission

To improve the status and quality of life of women and girls through advocacy and empowerment at the grassroots level.

Core Objectives

  • Empower women and advocate for girls' rights
  • Promote girl child education
  • Sensitize on health and domestic violence
  • Promote women emancipation
  • Reduce child neglect
  • Amplify women's voices
  • Alleviate poverty and suffering
  • Combat hunger and climate change
  • Prevent early and forced marriages
  • Reduce street children
  • Support income-generating activities
  • Eliminate domestic violence
  • Promote law and order
  • Mitigate HIV/AIDS impact
  • Raise awareness on girl child rights

Our Structure

Board of Directors

Oversees executive leadership and strategic decisions. Includes community representatives.

Executive Staff

  • Program Officer
  • Program Assistants
  • Administrator

Our team handles daily operations, feasibility studies, and program implementation.

Staffing

We have 3 full-time staff members and 6 dedicated volunteers who share responsibility for program delivery and achieving organizational goals.

Team meeting