“Some people say money is power and maybe that’s true. But to me, real power lies in skills and knowledge.

One of the greatest needs in Uganda’s rural communities today is training in small-scale business management.

Many men and women in rural areas run businesses, including farming, without knowing whether they are making profits or losses.

This lack of knowledge limits their development.

That’s why I am deeply grateful to be part of the team being mentored and supported by CPAR Uganda. My journey of mentorship since 2021 has truly transformed my life.

Skills and knowledge are not just tools they are the foundation for lasting change.

Share knowledge empower a Ugandan.”

This is a testimony from Oluka Robert, a beneficiary of our CPAR Uganda “Mentoring Young Adults into Innovators Against Poverty in Uganda” project.

Oluka continues his mentorship journey with us as he takes on the role of Project Officer, Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre Human Development Project (July 2025 – October 2026) CPAR Uganda is jointly implementing with Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief.

As my mentor Stan Burkey, since rested, mentored me in financial management, including double-entry booking, I find pleasure in mentoring all those under my supervision to be able to participate in our organisation’s financial management.

This past month, Oluka among our staff receiving mentorship in financial management for a nonprofit organisation project. Initially his ‘fear’ (for lack of a better word) was noticeable. As my mentor did with me, I assured him that practice makes perfect.

The more he is actually doing the financial management and submitting accountability, I notice that the ‘fear’ has significantly reduced and he is getting the more confident.

Having each of the mid-level staff under my supervision participate in our organisation’s financial management and reporting, eases my workload and frees me up to do other more fun things like writing this post. And this makes me happy.

Most importantly, delegating and mentoring others to take over, I find, nurtures ownership of the knowledge at the personal level of the beneficiaries and of the project and organisation by staff and other beneficiaries.

In just one month as Project Officer of the Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre Human Development Project, Oluka has declared:

“My mentorship journey has made me appreciate the lasting legacy that Dr. Hargrave has left. One that continues to impact lives in Northern Uganda.

I strongly believe that youth, women, and men in Uganda will greatly benefit from the financial mentorship component of the Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre Human Development Project.

It has the power to improve household incomes and even bring health-related benefits.”

This feedback, which Oluka posted here on our website in comment to “Our Work” page, delights me. Happiness is a basic ingredient for improving life.

Profiled photo @ Project Officer Oluka giving landscaping instructions as Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre is being readied to host the CPAR Uganda and CPAR Human Development Project.