Be part of our mission to empower communities and create lasting change. Together, we can make a difference.
We promote access to quality education for all, empowering children, girls and young women to reach their full potential.
We support skills development and entrepreneurship to create sustainable livelihoods.
We enhance food security through training, climate-smart farming, and improved nutrition.
At the Community Organisation Programme for Empowerment Uganda (COPE-U), we are dedicated to building inclusive communities where women, girls, and youth can thrive. Since 2003, our mission has been to promote education, awareness, and empowerment for vulnerable groups, addressing inequalities and transforming lives.
Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality, we work to create equal opportunities for women and girls. By addressing education, health, socio-economic, and cultural challenges, we aim to build a brighter future for everyone.
YEARS of service
At COPE-U, our projects aim to address the pressing needs of women, girls, and youth in Uganda. Through education, skills development, and community engagement, we empower individuals to take charge of their future. Below are some of our recent projects that have made a significant impact:
This initiative empowers women and youth among the urban poor and in rural Uganda by creating community-led savings groups. Participants pool resources to provide low-interest loans for personal or business development, promoting financial independence and self-reliance. The program includes financial literacy training and mentorship to help members manage savings, invest wisely, and grow their businesses.
This project focuses on promoting education for girls and raising awareness about their rights. Through workshops, scholarships, and community outreach, over 10,000 girls have been reached with resources to continue their education and empower them to assert their rights.
This initiative aims to improve health and sanitation in rural Uganda by providing education on hygiene and disease prevention, alongside building essential infrastructure. Through community workshops and partnerships with local health authorities, the program has enhanced awareness on proper sanitation practices. It also included constructing clean water sources and sanitation facilities in 15 villages.
Years of empowering communities across Uganda.
Youth equipped with practical skills for employability and self-reliance.
Partnerships with organizations and stakeholders to advance gender equality.
At COPE-U, we are excited about the upcoming events that will further our mission of empowering women, girls, and youth in Uganda. These events are designed to provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and advocacy, as well as to celebrate the progress we’ve made together with our partners and communities. Below are some of the events to look forward to:
This conference will bring together girls, educators, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding girls’ education and empowerment. Participants will engage in workshops and discussions focused on practical solutions to address barriers to education, gender equality, and youth leadership
This event will gather members of our community savings groups to share success stories, challenges, and lessons learned. It will also provide an opportunity for new members to join, with financial literacy workshops and resources for further empowering participants.
As part of the global celebration of the International Day for the Girl Child, COPE-U will host a series of events including panel discussions, community outreach activities, and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on issues affecting girls in Uganda. The event will highlight the importance of girls’ education and equal opportunities for all.
At COPE-U, our dedicated team is the backbone of our mission to empower women, girls, and youth across Uganda. From passionate field officers to visionary leaders, each member brings unique skills, commitment, and expertise to drive meaningful change in our communities.
Ms. Petua Babirye Isabirye, Executive Director of COPE-U, is an educationalist with over 20 years of experience in programming, implementing, and managing education programs. She holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on Gender and Social Justice (University of York) and other qualifications in education and safeguarding. Petua is passionate about empowering vulnerable groups to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Valentine brings 25 years of experience in internal and external auditing, specializing in financial statements, donor-funded projects, and consultancy. With over 10 years as an Audit Senior, he has worked on various private sector and donor projects in Uganda. Proficient in accounting software like QuickBooks and Tally, he holds a Higher Diploma in Business Studies, a BSc in Accounting, and is an ACCA finalist.
Mr. Deogratius Kiryowa, an Economist with a Master’s in Economic Policy, specializes in Monitoring and Evaluation, gender equity, and policy analysis. He has vast experience in youth and women inclusion, empowerment, and system strengthening.
Ms. Nakintu Marilyn, a Business Administration graduate from Makerere Business School, is a Finance Manager at COPE-U. Passionate about finance and youth empowerment, she applies her skills to promote self-reliance and has trained in savings, credit, and leadership.
At COPE-U, we believe that change happens when we work together. You can be part of the movement to empower women, girls, and youth across Uganda.
These are the voices of COPE-U beneficiaries, sharing how empowerment and mentorship have transformed their lives. Their stories reflect resilience, growth, and the lasting impact of COPE-U’s programs.
Beneficiary, Kanyanya, Kampala.
When I first met COPE-U, I was a young mother relying on my husband’s support. COPE-U taught me the culture of saving, and soon I was saving part of the money my husband gave me. Over time, my savings grew, and COPE-U helped me secure a job. Now, I’m financially independent, able to pay bills, school fees for my daughter, and provide for my family. Thank you, COPE-U, for changing my life.
Beneficiary
I met COPE-U through their youth prayer ministry in 2017 when I was in Senior 3 and on the verge of dropping out of school due to my mother’s inability to pay fees. COPE-U stepped in, covering my basic needs and school fees until I completed my O-levels. I’m now ready to join a tertiary institution to gain skills for a better future. I’m so grateful to COPE-U’s directors for giving me hope and a bright future.
Beneficiary
I’m a young mother with a certificate in nursery teaching. Despite my education, I felt lost until I met COPE-U’s Executive Director at a prayer meeting. Her mentorship inspired me to join COPE-U. Through their training, I learned the importance of saving and entrepreneurship to achieve financial independence. COPE-U’s support for vulnerable groups like orphans and widows is also commendable. Thank you, COPE-U, for empowering me and shaping youth into resourceful individuals.”
