Creating Ever Lasting Livelihoods for
Human Rights Promotion and Peace Building
Livestock Health and Management
Natural Resource Management
Water Sanitation and Hygiene
MADEFO is a Karimojong-led indigenous organization working with pastoralist
women, youth and communities across Moroto, Amudat, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk and Napak —
on livelihoods, climate resilience, human rights and peace.
41,200+Cattle vaccinated
200,000+Indigenous trees planted
40+VSLA / VICOBA groups formed
20Staff & volunteers
A Karimojong response to poverty, conflict and a changing climate
Matheniko Development Forum (MADEFO) was founded in December 1998 as a local indigenous
organization to support Karimojong pastoralists — women, youth, children and marginalized
groups — to improve their livelihoods. Headquartered in Moroto District, we’re legally
registered with the National NGO Board (2000) and the Registrar of Companies (2001).
The organization was formed in response to pervasive poverty, a low human development
index, human rights violations from armed conflict and the disarmament programme, a
devastating environment, and a high rate of illiteracy — issues that still shape our
work today.
Our Vision
An empowered Karimojong people living in a peaceful and poverty-free environment.
Our Mission
To strengthen the capacity of indigenous Karimojong communities to promote human rights
in attaining and maintaining sustainable pastoral production strategies for livelihood
security and peaceful co-existence.
Justice & Equity
Team Spirit
Transparency
Community-Driven
Five thematic areas, one goal
From animal health to peace dialogues, every MADEFO program is built with — not for —
Karimojong pastoral communities.
Livelihoods
Livelihoods & Food Security
Animal health, VSLA savings groups, livestock restocking, apiary and wheat trials.
Climate
Climate & Natural Resources
Tree planting, rangeland management, valley dams, and grazing corridor protection.
Peace Building
Peace & Conflict Resolution
Dialogues, kraal visits, women’s peace foras and cross-community reconciliation.
Partner with Karimojong communities building their own future
Whether you’re a donor, a technical partner or a fellow civil society organization, there’s a
place to work alongside MADEFO in Karamoja.