About Ardhi
Who we are, why we exist, and the values guiding our work.
Who We Are
ARDHI is a policy advocacy organization dedicated to empowering communities and shaping laws that create lasting change. We work across Uganda to build resilient societies by advancing climate-smart agriculture, sustainable waste systems, disaster preparedness, inclusive health access, and land governance rooted in justice.
Founded out of a deep desire to turn lived experience into systemic change, ARDHI bridges community needs with bold policy action that safeguards people’s rights and future.
Our Case for Change
ARDHI was born from a crisis — the Kitezi landfill fire — which exposed deep systemic failures in land, food, health, and environmental governance. Communities were left without protection, rights, or support. That tragedy revealed what we already knew: these challenges are interconnected, and when one system fails, people’s lives and dignity are at risk.
We exist to make sure such neglect never happens again. ARDHI bridges the gap between community realities and national policy, turning grassroots needs into systemic solutions. By focusing on our five pillars — agriculture, waste, disaster preparedness, health, and land governance — we work to ensure that resilience is built from the ground up, and that every Ugandan has the right to thrive in a just and healthy environment
Our Vision & Mission
Thriving, resilient communities with fair access to land, food, health, and a safe environment—empowered to protect today and shape tomorrow.
ARDHI advances climate-smart agriculture, resilient waste systems, disaster preparedness, health access, and equitable land rights—through community action and policy change that lasts.
Our
Guiding Values
We champion policies that safeguard natural resources for current and future generations.
We advocate for laws and systems that uplift marginalized communities and ensure justice for all.
We uphold transparency and ethical practices to build trust in every action we take.
We forge purposeful partnerships to amplify collective impact and drive lasting change.
Who We Serve
How We Drive Change
Our five pillars tackle Uganda’s most urgent challenges. Each one acts at two levels: empowering communities with direct action, and shaping policies for systemic change.
Fueling Change: Every contribution builds resilient communities.
Your support powers advocacy that protects lives and land.
Evidence to Action: Turning community voices into policy reform.
Partnering with leaders to shape laws that protect people and the planet.
Empowering Voices: From grassroots innovation to national impact.
Training, legal aid, and advocacy so no one is left behind.
Collaboration that multiplies impact.
Working with NGOs, institutions, and the private sector for systemic change.
Shaping the Narrative: Spotlighting urgent challenges and solutions.
Partnering with journalists to amplify community stories and drive accountability.
Founder's Story
I will never forget the smell. Plastic, waste, despair — the air over Kampala during the Kitezi landfill fire carried more than smoke; it carried human suffering. Mothers feared for their families, elders felt abandoned, and youth saw no future in a world choking on waste. The system had failed them.”
“From that crisis, one truth became clear: land, waste, health, agriculture, and disaster response are not separate issues. They are interconnected. And only by addressing them together can we build resilience.”
“That night, the word Ardhi — ‘Earth’ in Swahili — came to me. Ardhi symbolizes our foundation, our shared responsibility. From the smoke of Kitezi, the Ardhi Law and Policy Initiative was born: to turn local struggles into systemic solutions, and to fight for a Uganda where every person can thrive.
How We Create Change
ARDHI works across five interconnected pillars to secure rights, protect the environment, and empower communities.
Transforming waste into opportunity through recycling, youth empowerment, and circular economy solutions.
Resilient Waste Management
Building resilience with early warning systems, inclusive evacuation plans, and community-first disaster response.
Disaster Preparedness & Response
Linking environmental health to human health — advancing clean air, safe water, maternal health, and youth wellbeing.
Health & Wellbeing
Protecting land rights for women, youth, and vulnerable families through legal aid, policy advocacy, and community training.
Inclusive Land GovernanceJoin Us in Building Resilient Communities
Together, we can empower communities and influence policies that secure a fair, sustainable future.
We promote climate-smart farming, strengthen food systems, and support communities to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
Agriculture and Food Security