We are a community-driven social enterprise in Gulu City, Northern Uganda, that empowers vulnerable women through arts and crafts.
To promote a fair balance between the needs for economic sustainability and support for community members which reflects an integration between work and therapeutic identity and empowerment of the beneficiaries, respecting diversity and human dignity
Promote trust among women living with HIV/AIDS. Encourage empowerment of vulnerable women living with HIV/AIDS. Promote development of skills, talents and creativity among vulnerable women living with HIV/AIDS
Wawoto Kacel has an ongoing agreement with Lacor Hospital whereby all the beneficiaries get treatment fully paid by the Project.
We offer different skills through training of beneficiaries based on their different talents and creativity. This is to enhance production to meet the forces of supply and demand of our products
The project staff have the responsibilities to market, managed production processes and sell the products on behalf of the beneficiaries.
The project encourages the beneficiaries to engage in other income generating activities from homes. This is to promote livelihoods among the family members to foster family unity and development
This is intended to foster self-acceptance to reduce stigma among the beneficiaries and the communities. This activity is designed to cover a wider community where the beneficiaries come from, it uses the existing members to sensitize the other members of the community who are not the direct beneficiaries of the project.
the cooperative initially supported women living with HIV/AIDS and victims of the LRA conflict. Over time, it expanded to include people with disabilities, war veterans, orphans, and single parents, providing them with alternative economic opportunities through creativity and craftsmanship.
The name “Wawoto Kacel” translates to “walking together” in Acholi, reflecting the cooperative’s commitment to collective progress and solidarity.
The cooperative is composed of 50 active members who work across six departments: embroidery and knitting, tailoring, tie and dye, weaving, beads, and greeting cards. They produce high-quality, handmade products using locally sourced and natural materials.
From stylish accessories like shawls and jewelry to home goods like aprons and table runners, their crafts are appreciated both locally and internationally. A significant portion of sales comes from exports, particularly to markets in Italy, where partners help promote their products.
Wawoto Kacel’s mission extends beyond economic empowerment. By providing training, healthcare services, and access to microcredit, the cooperative supports its members holistically. Many women, such as former LRA abductees and those living with chronic illnesses, have found renewed self-esteem and a sense of belonging through their participation in the cooperative.