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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27436, member: 2262"] The EU team visited Uganda and praised local groups for helping make the country modern and successful. On Wednesday, representatives from seven European countries met with community leaders at Fort Portal City. They talked about projects they fund and checked how these efforts help regular people. Several local organizations shared their work during this meeting at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel. Everyone discussed problems facing communities and ways to create better opportunities for the future. Karolina Hedström from the EU explained they focus on climate issues, growing the economy, and making sure democracy works for everyone. She said their plan runs from 2021 through 2027 and matches what Uganda wants to accomplish nationally. They concentrate on green programs, digital technology, business growth, and supporting refugees. The EU team picked western Uganda because they wanted to learn exactly what people need there. Hedström mentioned that they support many different partners across the region and need to coordinate better between all these efforts. She noticed that young people starting their groups show real promise for the area. During their trip, they also visited the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement and saw both the struggles and success stories of people living there. Climate change hurts refugee communities badly, especially farmers who cannot grow enough food anymore. The EU considers fighting climate damage a major goal in Uganda. Hedström talked about their forest project, in which Europe invested 50 million euros alongside Denmark. This money helps people earn more from planting trees and encourages adding forests as a smart long-term strategy. Since 2016, the EU has given 450 million euros to help refugees and the communities that host them. They work with Uganda's government to find cheaper, lasting ways to provide support. Hedström admitted that money needs to remain huge everywhere around the world. Sometimes, European nations must cut budgets because demands keep rising. Her team tries finding ways to spend available funds more effectively, focusing on helping groups become self-supporting. Tassilo von Droste from GIZ explained how they help local organizations build strength. Many groups depend completely on outside money but lack clear plans. GIZ teaches them better planning skills and helps them become trustworthy enough to apply for funding directly. They also train groups to speak up about community needs and create projects addressing real problems people face every day. Von Droste emphasized that local organizations need to create their own money-making activities instead of always asking donors for help. He mentioned that NRDI started with just five workers growing tree seedlings but expanded to fifty employees through smart business practices. The chairman of Kabarole District thanked the Europeans for continuing their partnership. Belgium's representative promised ongoing support focusing on sustainable growth and better living conditions for Ugandans. [/QUOTE]

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