PEACE & DEVELOPMENT

The republic of Uganda

Humanitarian Assistance, Education, Primary Healthcare, Peacebuilding, and Community Resilience for Sudanese Refugees and Host Communities

Uganda currently hosts more than 90,000 Sudanese refugees who have fled the ongoing conflict in Sudan. DPDO is committed to supporting both refugees and vulnerable host communities through integrated humanitarian and development programs that promote protection, resilience, self-reliance, and sustainable development.

Uganda Humanitarian Context

Uganda: A Leading Refugee-Hosting Country in Africa

Uganda has become one of the world’s most recognized refugee-hosting countries, demonstrating a strong commitment to humanitarian principles through its progressive refugee protection policies. The country provides refugees with access to protection, freedom of movement, education, healthcare services, and opportunities for self-reliance.

Uganda currently hosts nearly two million refugees and asylum seekers, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. The refugee population includes people fleeing conflicts in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia, and other crisis-affected countries.

The arrival of refugees has placed significant pressure on local communities, particularly in refugee-hosting districts where existing education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and livelihood systems were already limited.

DPDO recognizes that humanitarian assistance must address both refugee needs and the needs of host communities, ensuring that humanitarian interventions promote dignity, peaceful coexistence, and shared development.

1. Organization Overview

Darfur Peace and Development Organization (DPDO) is a non-profit humanitarian and development organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations affected by conflict, displacement, poverty, and social instability. Established to promote peace, dignity, and sustainable development, DPDO has implemented programs in humanitarian assistance, education, primary healthcare, peacebuilding, reconciliation, emergency response, livelihood development, and community empowerment.

DPDO operates as an independent, non-political, and non-sectarian organization, guided by internationally recognized humanitarian principles including humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and respect for human dignity.

For more than two decades, DPDO has worked with conflict-affected communities in Sudan and neighboring countries, supporting displaced populations, refugees, women, children, youth, and vulnerable households through integrated humanitarian and development programs.

DPDO Uganda Vision

To build resilient, healthy, educated, and peaceful refugee and host communities in Uganda where every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope for the future.

DPDO Uganda Mission

DPDO Uganda is committed to delivering integrated humanitarian and development programs that protect vulnerable populations, expand access to quality education and healthcare, promote peacebuilding and social cohesion, strengthen livelihoods, and empower refugees and host communities to achieve sustainable self-reliance.

Strategic Goal

To improve the resilience, well-being, and socio-economic opportunities of Sudanese refugees and vulnerable Ugandan host communities through integrated humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, peacebuilding, and livelihood interventions that contribute to durable solutions and inclusive community development.

2. DPDO Response to the Sudan Crisis and Uganda Humanitarian Context

Following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, millions of Sudanese civilians have been forced to flee their homes seeking safety in neighboring countries. Uganda has become one of the major host countries for Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers due to its open-door refugee policy and commitment to refugee protection.

he following projects aim to highlight the importance of mitigating the
impact of armed conflicts on youth and explore various measures that can
be taken to promote and safeguard children’s rights in conflict zones.

  • Growing numbers of new arrivals
  • Limited humanitarian funding
  • Reduction in food assistance
  • Pressure on local health and education systems
  • Increased vulnerability among women, children, and elderly refugees
  • Trauma and psychosocial challenges caused by conflict and displacement

Recognizing these urgent needs, the DPDO Board of Directors decided to expand its humanitarian presence into Uganda to support both Sudanese refugees and vulnerable host communities, while strengthening peaceful coexistence and community resilience.

DPDO Uganda Operational Focus Areas

DPDO Uganda will implement an integrated humanitarian and development approach focusing on five strategic pillars:

Pillar One: Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Response

Objectives

DPDO Uganda will provide timely humanitarian support to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable host communities affected by displacement and economic hardship.

Key Activities

  • Emergency food assistance and nutrition support
  • Distribution of essential non-food items (NFIs)
  • Shelter support for vulnerable households
  • Support for newly arrived refugees
  • Protection referrals for vulnerable individuals
  • Emergency response coordination with government authorities and humanitarian partners

Target Groups

  • Sudanese refugees and refugees from other countries
  • Women-headed households
  • Children and youth
  • Elderly persons
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Vulnerable members of host communities

Pillar Two: Education and Skills Development

Education is one of DPDO’s strongest areas of expertise. Through its previous programs in Sudan, DPDO has supported thousands of students affected by conflict and limited access to education.

Objectives

To ensure that displaced children, youth, and adults have access to quality education and skills development opportunities.

Key Activities

Primary and Secondary Education Support

  • School enrollment support for refugee children
  • Learning materials and school supplies
  • Teacher support and capacity building
  • Accelerated learning programs for children who missed years of education
  • Educational support for girls and vulnerable learners

Higher Education and Skills Development

  • Scholarship opportunities for qualified refugee students
  • Vocational training programs including:
  • Information technology
  • Business skills
  • Electrical training
  • Carpentry
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Tailoring and income-generating skills

Expected Education Impact

  • Increased school attendance among refugee children
  • Reduced dropout rates
  • Improved learning outcomes
  • Increased employment opportunities for youth
  • Strengthened self-reliance among refugees and host communities

Pillar Three: Primary Healthcare and Community Health Support

DPDO recognizes that displacement creates significant health challenges, including limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, trauma-related conditions, and communicable diseases.

Objectives

To improve access to essential primary healthcare services for refugees and vulnerable host communities.

  • Community-based primary healthcare services
  • Health screening and referrals
  • Maternal and child healthcare support
  • Immunization awareness campaigns
  • Nutrition awareness programs
  • Disease prevention campaigns
  • Training of community health workers

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Many Sudanese refugees have experienced violence, loss, displacement, and traumatic events. DPDO will provide:

  • Trauma-informed counseling
  • Psychosocial support groups
  • Child-friendly spaces
  • Support for survivors of conflict-related trauma
  • Community healing and resilience programs

Expected Health Impact

  • Improved access to healthcare services
  • Reduced preventable diseases
  • Improved maternal and child health outcomes
  • Better mental wellbeing among displaced populations
  • Increased community health awareness

Pillar Four: Peacebuilding, Reconciliation and Social Cohesion

DPDO brings extensive experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution from Sudan and other conflict-affected areas.

Objectives

To strengthen peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.

Key Activities

  • Community dialogue forums
  • Conflict prevention training
  • Mediation and reconciliation initiatives
  • Youth peacebuilding programs
  • Women’s participation in peace processes
  • Leadership development for community representatives

Expected Peacebuilding Impact

  • Reduced tensions between refugees and host communities
  • Improved trust and cooperation
  • Increased participation of youth and women in peace processes
  • Stronger community resilience against conflict

4. Priority Geographic Areas

DPDO Uganda will initially focus on:

Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

Located approximately 275 km north of Kampala, Kiryandongo hosts a significant number of refugees, including Sudanese families.

Priority interventions:

  • Education support
  • Primary healthcare outreach
  • Emergency assistance
  • Community peacebuilding

Kampala Urban Refugee Community

Many Sudanese refugees living in Kampala face unique challenges, including:

  • High living costs
  • Limited humanitarian assistance
  • Difficulty accessing employment
  • Healthcare and education barriers

DPDO will support:

  • Urban refugee families
  • Professional refugees seeking livelihood opportunities
  • Vulnerable women and children
  • Community-based support networks

5. Expected Overall Impact

Through its Uganda program, DPDO aims to achieve the following long-term outcomes:

For Sudanese Refugees

  • Improved access to basic humanitarian services
  • Increased educational opportunities for children and youth
  • Better access to healthcare and psychosocial support
  • Improved livelihoods and self-reliance
  • Greater protection and dignity
  • Stronger community networks

For Host Communities

  • Reduced pressure on local services
  • Improved access to shared education and health initiatives
  • Increased employment and livelihood opportunities
  • Strengthened peaceful coexistence
  • Improved community resilience

6. DPDO Comparative Advantage

DPDO brings several strengths to Uganda’s humanitarian response:

Conflict and Displacement Expertise

DPDO has more than two decades of experience working with conflict-affected communities in Sudan and neighboring regions.

Understanding of Sudanese Refugee Needs

As an organization founded in response to conflict challenges in Darfur, DPDO has deep cultural understanding and community trust.

Community-Based Approach

DPDO works directly with communities, local leaders, and vulnerable groups to ensure sustainable impact.

Integrated Humanitarian Approach

DPDO combines:

  • Emergency relief
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Peacebuilding

7. Partnership Opportunities

DPDO welcomes collaboration with:

  • UN agencies
  • International NGOs
  • Foundations
  • Government institutions
  • Private sector partners
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Academic institutions

Partnership opportunities include:

  • Funding humanitarian assistance programs
  • Supporting refugee education initiatives
  • Health outreach programs
  • Peacebuilding projects

8. Conclusion

The Sudan crisis represents one of the most significant humanitarian challenges in the region. As Sudanese refugees continue seeking safety and dignity in Uganda, coordinated humanitarian action is essential.

Through its Uganda Country Program, DPDO is committed to supporting refugees and host communities by providing humanitarian assistance, education opportunities, healthcare services, peacebuilding initiatives, and pathways toward self-reliance.

With strategic partnerships and donor support, DPDO aims to contribute to a more resilient, peaceful, and empowered refugee and host community environment in Uganda.

Dr. Sabah Al-Shabebi (UAE)

Board Member

Dr. Sabah holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Sanaa University, Republic of Yemen. She is a certified obstetrician and gynecologist by the Jordanian Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Arab Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to her current role as Deputy Director of the Modern Medicine Center, she served as an Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at the Dubai Health Authority, Director General of Sharjah City Medical Center, and Medical Director of the National Center of Modern Medicine. Dr. Sabah is a member of the Emirates Medical Association and currently serves as the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Consulting and Training Group (Five and One Training Centre) within Mohammed bin Rashid’s projects – Government of Dubai. Additionally, she is the Chairman of KENZEL FACILITY MANAGEMENT within Mohammed bin Rashid’s projects – Government of Dubai. Dr. Sabah’s extensive experience and leadership in the medical industry make her a valuable asset to our DPDO organization.

Shiri Kalai

Assistant of programs

Shiri Kalai is an MSPH student in the Social and Behavioral Interventions program for International Health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is completing her practicum with HEAL. In addition to joining the HEAL team, Shiri works with Key Point Health Services helping children in Baltimore City and County with their mental health symptom and behavioral management. She is anative Spanish speaker and is excited to work with Darfur Peace and Development to provide humanitarian relief to those in need!

Maisoon Ateem

Deputy Director of Health Program

Maisoon Ateem, Deputy Director of Health Program Maisoon has over 10 years of experience working in the field of public and global health. She graduated from Johns Hopkins Master of Applied Science (MAS) in Global Health Planning and Management and studied as an undergraduate in Sudan. Upon her graduation with a BA in Medical Science from Sudan University of Science and Technology, she worked for the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) among other UN agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Sudan and the USA. Her focus was conflict-affected populations in particular women and Internally Displaced People (IDPs) with special attention on survivors of sexual violence and people living with HIV/AIDs. She has been involved in all stages of emergency and reproductive health design and implementation and dedicates her career to bridging access to quality healthcare at the community and individual levels. A strong advocate for education, Maisoon works to integrate various aspects of her practical and personal experience into helping to make the world a better place for all.

Susan Burgess-lent

Vice President & Director of Operation

Ms. Burgess-Lent began her career in humanitarian relief and development in 1994 and has worked extensively in East Africa. She is the former Program Director of Darfur Peace and Development Organization (DPDO), responsible for the funding and operation of Kassab Women’s Center, the model on which WCI’s work is based. She previously served as a consultant to the African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation (AIF), InterAction, CEPDA, and on staff at the American Red Cross International Services. In 2019, she published the non-fiction book Trouble Ahead: Dangerous Missions with Desperate People, about her work in Africa. She has presented speeches for many organizations about the impact of war and poverty on women, and solutions that can be implemented for their benefit.

Dr. Sabah Al-Shabebi

Board Member

Dr. Sabah holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Sanaa University, Republic of Yemen. She is a certified obstetrician and gynecologist by the Jordanian Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Arab Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to her current role as Deputy Director of the Modern Medicine Center, she served as an Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at the Dubai Health Authority, Director General of Sharjah City Medical Center, and Medical Director of the National Center of Modern Medicine. Dr. Sabah is a member of the Emirates Medical Association and currently serves as the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Consulting and Training Group (Five and One Training Centre) within Mohammed bin Rashid’s projects – Government of Dubai. Additionally, she is the Chairman of KENZEL FACILITY MANAGEMENT within Mohammed bin Rashid’s projects – Government of Dubai. Dr. Sabah’s extensive experience and leadership in the medical industry make her a valuable asset to our DPDO organization.

Cindy Castano

Treasure - Board of Directors

Cindy Castano is the president of Alpha Management Group, Inc. (AMG), which is an organization that focuses on business development, management and documentary film production. She has 30 years’ experience in client relations, sales and business development and has been a licensed investment advisor. Prior to founding AMG, amongst several positions in sales/marketing, Cindy has worked in the investment/financial markets of USA, London, England and Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in high value, multi-million dollar accounts. Documentary film production is one of the primary elements of AMG’s business and is structured under AMG Media, a division of Alpha Management Group. Ms. Castano is currently acting as writer, editor, and producer for a documentary entitled “MY SLAVE, MY INFIDEL,” which is in production. The film focuses on the slave trade in Southern Sudan and has expanded filming as events continue to unfold Darfur, Sudan. AMG also has a documentary in negotiations which will focus specifically on the genocidal conflict in Darfur.

Dr. Suliman A. Giddo

President ,Board Member

Dr. Suliman A. Giddo is a highly accomplished expert with over twenty years of intensive and comprehensive experience in leadership, international relations, strategic planning, conflict resolution and disaster and emergency management; having successfully created strategic plans for governments and private institutions in the Middle East, Africa, and the United States. He is also a renowned academic and researcher at George Mason University, with a proven track record of excellence in teaching at American universities including the School of Business at Indiana, and serving in senior positions for several international organizations, including the prestigious American Red Cross, Management System International and Qatar Foundation. Dr. Giddo’s extensive experience includes serving as a consultant for the UA-UN joint mission. He also served as a board member for several institutions and organizations.

Dr.Giddo is the dynamic founder and president of Sub-Saharan University, which offers eight programs in diverse fields such as medicine and general surgery, nursing, medical lab, business administration, information technology, computer network, and banking and finance, with over 2000 enrolled students mostly from Internal Displaced Persons.

Dr. Giddo earned his Ph.D. in Peace Studies and Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University in the United States, where he demonstrated exceptional academic prowess. He also completed postgraduate studies in Humanitarian Assistance from Fordham University in New York, a Master of Science in Business Administration/Accounting from Strayer University in Virginia, where he was an outstanding alumni (2008), and post-graduate studies in Strategic Planning and Project Management from the prestigious Stanford University in California. Dr. Giddo obtained his B.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Khartoum.