Blog Articles
By Betty Kagoro, Co-Founder of Mihama Development Initiatives (MDI)
Launch of MDI at the Fort-View Hotel in Fort-Portal
“When roots grow deep, there’s no reason to fear the wind.” – African Proverb
The day was 9th March 2025. It marked a new beginning, not just for me, but for the community I have called home all my life. With joy in my heart and hope in my soul, I proudly witnessed the official launch of Mihama Development Initiatives (MDI), a community-based organization born from the dreams, struggles, and resilience of the people around me.
For years, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges our community faces, children walking miles to school only to learn on empty stomachs, youth brimming with potential but lacking opportunities, and women working tirelessly with little support. These stories are not just narratives; they are personal. They are the voices of my neighbors, my family, my friends. And I knew I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
Our mission at Mihama is to empower youth, women, men, the elderly with knowledge, skills, and opportunities through life skills education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development to improve their livelihoods.
Like many other beginnings, the journey to this point has not been easy. It has been shaped by late nights, countless meetings, community dialogues, and generous hearts who believed in our shared vision. I am humbled by the support from our elders, youth leaders, partners, and friends, each of whom planted a seed of faith in this vision.
What excites me most is knowing that Mihama is not mine alone, it belongs to the community. In our local language, Mihama means roots, a fitting symbol of our approach to development. We believe change must take root in communities themselves: locally led, culturally grounded, and sustained by the people it serves.
Mihama reflects our unity, our resilience, and our commitment to leaving no one behind. It is a platform for stories to be heard, for talents to be nurtured, and for lives to be transformed.
As we open our doors, we do so with open arms, ready to listen, to learn, and to grow. The launch was not an end but a beginning, a spark that we pray would ignite lasting change.
To everyone who believed, supported, and walked with us: thank you. We know the journey ahead is long. But today, we continue to celebrate the power of one idea, one voice, and one dream that should become a community’s hope.
Let’s nurture these roots together. Let’s cultivate a thriving Fort-Portal, one community at a time.
