About Us
"Touch One person's life and you can change the whole World"
Ben Male
Executive Director VAD
Since 1996 our organization has been striving to change the lives of people in underserved communities.
Voluntary Action for Development (VAD) is a non-profit making, indigenous, non-government organization initiated since 1996 to improve the livelihoods of the poor and disadvantaged communities through the implementation of Programmes including; Health, Livelihoods, Education and Human rights advocacy programmes currently working in Wakiso District of Central Uganda, Amuria, Kapelebyong and Napak Districts of the North Eastern Uganda respectively.
VAD strives to improve the livelihoods of the poor and disadvantaged communities, primarily targeting the most vulnerable groups including children, women, youth, PWDs and people living with HIV/AIDS by empowering and facilitating them to effectively participate in their social economic development initiatives.
Our Vision
A healthy and vibrant self-reliant community.
Our Mission
A developing Organization that empowers poor communities to be self-reliant through health, education, livelihood and advocacy interventions.
Core Values
Teamwork-Being helpful and supportive to one another in ways that enable success of the whole team
Commitment- Adhering to essential organization principles, guidelines, and timely delivery of quality work and services.
Accountability -Responsibility taking and faithfulness in working with organizational values, purposes and resources
Love and Respect- Respect for oneself and caring for the needs of others
Meet Our Team
Management Team
Mrs. Lilian Nakijoba
Executive Director
Mr.Eurien Paul Bernard
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer NE
Ms. Nalubombwe Sarah
Finance Manager
Mr.Bogere Alex Kawomera
Human Resource Manager
Mr.Benedict Male
Retired Executive Director (1996- 2023)
A message from the Retired Executive Director
Dear Friends, Partners, and Supporters, It is with a profound sense of gratitude and sentiment that I announce my retirement as the Executive Director of Voluntary Action for Development (VAD). This moment marks the peak of a journey that began with a simple yet ambitious vision – to empower communities, foster development, and create lasting change.
Reflecting back on the past decades fills me with immense pride and joy. When VAD was established in 1996, it was a small seed of hope planted in the fertile soil of dedication and passion. Together with my five friends, we embarked on a mission to transform our communities, starting from the villages of Bukasa, Bakka, and Kaliiti in Wakiso District.
The challenges were many, and the road was not always smooth. Securing funding in those early days was a daunting task, but with perseverance, faith, and the support of our partners and funders,we overcame every obstacle. I am indebted to our long-serving partners like Friends of Uganda-Germany, Mrs. Schummer, whose trust and collaboration have been instrumental in our journey since 1996 till now. Throughout its journey, Voluntary Action for Development (VAD) has been
fortunate to collaborate with a diverse range of partners who share our commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development. These partnerships have been the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to expand our reach, enhance our impact, and create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and communities.
Just a Drop-UK, Signpost-UK, Aidlink-Ireland (our current partners), plus our previous partners including Feed the Minds-UK, Guernsey, Watercan-canada, WaterAid-Uganda, Kitchen Tables, UWASNET, Danish People’s Aid, All We Can-UK, Simavi-Neitherlands, Comic Relief, Big Lottery Fund, Tudor Trust, LWR, Water-Org etc, have been instrumental in supporting our water and sanitation projects, ensuring that communities have access to clean water and improved hygiene practices, and improved livelihoods. Just A Drop and Aidlink partners have been transformative, enabling us to implement innovative solutions and reach marginalized communities with sustainable water and sanitation solutions. Signpost International, with their focus on sustainable agriculture and livelihoods, has been a valuable collaborator in our efforts to promote food security and economic empowerment. These are just a few examples of the many partners and funders who have believed in our mission, invested in our programs, and stood by us as we worked towards our shared goals. Each partnership has been unique, contributing expertise, resources, and networks that have enriched our work and amplified our impact. Our growth story is a testament to the power of collective effort and unwavering determination.
Our reach now extends beyond Wakiso District, encompassing Mpigi, Soroti, Amuria, Kapelebyong, Napak, and beyond. Each expansion represented a new opportunity to touch more lives, uplift more families, and catalyze more positive change.
The heart of VAD has always been its people – committed Board of Directors, dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and committed executives who have become leaders in their own right. Watching individuals grow within the organization and beyond, establishing their own ventures and making a difference, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my tenure.
As I pass the baton of leadership to Lillian Nakijoba (Mrs.), I do so with absolute confidence in her abilities. Lillian embodies the spirit of VAD – she is capable, enthusiastic, charismatic, and deeply committed to our mission. Under her guidance, I am certain that VAD will continue to flourish and evolve, reaching new heights of impact and sustainability.
To the entire VAD family, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in our mission have been the driving force behind our success. Together, we have created a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and positive change that will endure for years to come. As we look to the future, we are grateful for the enduring partnerships that have been the bedrock of our success. Together with our partners, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and create positive change for generations to come.
As I transition into a new role of supporting VAD’s growth and advocacy, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Retirement is not a farewell but a new beginning, a chance to contribute in different ways and continue the journey of making a difference.
Thank you for your trust, support, and camaraderie throughout this incredible journey. I look forward to witnessing VAD’s continued success and impact under Lillian’s leadership.
With deepest gratitude and warmest regards,
