Every photograph in this exhibition tells part of a larger story.
Together, these images and stories offer a glimpse into the realities of displacement and what it takes to rebuild a life. They highlight not only the challenges people face, but also their resilience, ambitions and hopes for the future.
The eight refugees and host community members featured in this exhibition live in Uganda's Nakivale and Rwamwanja refugee settlements. They reflect the journeys of thousands of refugees who have travelled hundreds of miles, leaving behind violence, persecution and climate-related crises, as well as family, friends, communities, homes and livelihoods built over many years.
In Uganda, they have had to start over and rebuild.
Uganda is one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world, supporting 2 million refugees, a number that continues to rise as conflict and instability affect neighbouring countries. Nakivale and Rwamwanja refugee settlements, where the people whose stories are featured here live, are home to a combined 380,000 refugees.
As the number of displaced people seeking safety grows and international aid continues to be depleted, sustainable opportunities for refugees are needed now more than ever. Opportunity International UK's Seeds of Self-Reliance programme, supported by the Isle of Man Government, helps refugees establish sustainable incomes, enabling them to become self-reliant and rebuild their lives with confidence.
We are already seeing the impact. Refugees are starting and growing businesses, earning a steady income, sending their children to school, providing nutritious meals for their families, and accessing vital healthcare. With the right support, they are creating more secure futures for themselves and their communities.
The stories shared in this exhibition are real stories from refugees and host community members who have participated in the Seeds of Self-Reliance programme. They are stories of resilience, hard work and hope for a better future.
Stories and photographs collected by Arete Stories on behalf of Opportunity International. Photographs taken by Kibuuka Mukisa
About.
Who are we?
At Opportunity International UK, we support people living in poverty who face impossible decisions every day.
When income is scarce, even the most basic decisions - whether to buy food, pay for healthcare, or send their child to school - come at a real cost. For thousands of families, these trade-offs are part of a relentless cycle that limits opportunity and makes it harder for families to move forward.
For more than 30 years, we have been breaking this cycle by unlocking the potential that already exists within individuals and communities. Across sub‑Saharan Africa, we provide access to small loans, savings, insurance, skills training and digital financial tools - equipping people with the resources and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods.
We also work at a systems level to drive lasting change. By partnering with banks and other financial providers, we help design and deliver products that better meet the needs of people living in poverty.
The impact is far-reaching. Businesses grow and create jobs. Children gain an education and new possibilities for their futures. Communities become stronger and better able to withstand future challenges. Over time, families gain greater stability and security, with more consistent incomes and a renewed sense of control over their lives.
With special thanks to the Isle of Man Government.
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