Friends Community Development Trust (Uganda)

Friends Community Development Trust (Uganda) is a UK-registered charitable organisation established in 2016 with the primary aim of advancing community development in Uganda. It operates as a Quaker Recognised Body, reflecting the values and commitments of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain. The charity supports sustainable infrastructure projects that benefit local communities, particularly in the Manafwa district of Uganda.

History and Background

The Trust originated from concerns raised within the Northampton Quaker Meeting, notably by Alex Gyabi and colleagues in Uganda, who sought to address substantial community needs through practical development work. The organisation was formally created in 2016 to facilitate the provision of essential infrastructure and promote the advancement of community-led initiatives[3][5].

Activities and Projects

Friends Community Development Trust (Uganda) works closely with community organisations in Uganda, providing grants and resources to support specific development projects that create tangible community assets. Their approach focuses on sustainable improvements with long-term benefits.

Notable projects funded by the Trust include:

• Establishment of a community-based workshop for training in furniture making, aimed at skills development and income generation.
• Construction of a three-classroom block, which forms the initial phase of a Community Secondary School initiative[4].

These projects embody the Trust’s commitment to education, vocational training, and enhancing local capacities to foster self-reliance.

Mission and Values

The Trust’s mission centers on the public benefit through the advancement of community development projects in Uganda. By liaising with local community organisations, it ensures that development efforts align with local needs and priorities. This model emphasizes community ownership and participation, consistent with Quaker principles of equality, peace, and social justice[2].

Governance and Charity Status

Friends Community Development Trust (Uganda) is registered under charity number 1177646 in the United Kingdom. It operates transparently and adheres to charitable regulations, reporting on its activities and funding to the Charity Commission. The Trust is recognized as a Quaker group, contributing to the wider network of Quaker social and development initiatives[2][4].

This article summarises the key aspects of Friends Community Development Trust (Uganda) as a UK charity dedicated to community development work in Uganda, reflecting its origins, core projects, and guiding ethos.

[1] http://www.fcdtu.org.uk [2] https://quaker.org.uk/our-organisation/book-of-meetings/quaker-groups/friends-community-development-trust-uganda [3] https://fcdtu.org.uk/about.html [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5110419/charity-overview [5] https://thefriend.org/article/make-believe-john-brown-of-friends-community-development-trust-uganda