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UNIDOS Projects
Since 2018, the refugee led organization has been working on sustainable solutions to promote food security, independence and healthy ecosystems.
“Nine years ago, I crossed the border as a refugee. When I arrived, I had only one question: How do you start over when you’ve lost everything?”
This is how the story of UNIDOS begins. When Paulinho Muzaliwa arrived in Uganda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2017, he could not have imagined what he would build from scratch over the following years: Today, through his social enterprise UNIDOS, he strengthens food security, health and self-reliance for thousands of people in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement. His team trains other refugees in regenerative agriculture, builds compost toilets and runs a scalable biochar production initiative that contributes to climate action while creating income opportunities.
© UNIDOS
UNIDOS’ work has received multiple international awards and offers hope:
“I have witnessed the power of community and the resilience of young people and women, despite the most difficult circumstances. I see the potential of refugees to develop innovative solutions to global challenges.”
– Paulinho Muzaliwa, Permaculture Trainer and Founder of UNIDOS.
Biochar Production
Biochar is produced from agricultural waste and helps store atmospheric CO₂ in the soil. This not only improves the soil’s water-holding capacity and fertility, but also makes an important contribution to climate action. As part of a pilot project with Generation Restoration, refugees have already produced several tonnes of biochar themselves, thanks to the work of UNIDOS. The carbon stored in the biochar can remain in the soil for centuries. GenR and UNIDOS now aim to turn this climate impact into high-quality carbon credits that are accessible to companies and individuals, while also creating positive social benefits.
Trainings in regenerative agriculture
Refugees learn how to grow their own food year-round on small plots of land using regenerative agriculture methods. This helps people secure their own food supply instead of depending on shrinking food aid.
Upcoming Project: Food Forest
What if the cycle of climate change, environmental degradation, hunger and dependency could be transformed into a cycle of knowledge, self-reliance and regeneration?
Together with Generation Restoration, UNIDOS is planning a Food Forest in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement – bringing regenerative agriculture, biochar, composting toilets and water management together in one circular system.
At its heart are the people: refugees will gain the knowledge and skills to grow food, restore their land and create new livelihood opportunities. A project designed to regenerate both ecosystems and communities.
UNIDOS Compound Tour: A regenerative learning center in Uganda
