Our Story, Our Mission, Our Impact
Learn about the women-led organization amplifying voices for environmental justice across Uganda.
Why WISE Was Founded
WISE was born from a simple but powerful observation: grassroots women in Uganda had stories that needed to be told, but they lacked the platforms, skills, and confidence to tell them. Their voices were missing from conversations about land, natural resources, and environmental decisions that directly affected their lives.
In 2015, a group of women journalists and environmental activists came together to change this. They started by training a small group of women in storytelling and media production. The impact was immediate and profound. Women who had never spoken in public were sharing their stories on community radio. Communities were listening. Leaders were paying attention.
Today, WISE has grown into a national organization with programs across six key areas. But our core belief remains the same: voice is power. When women can tell their own stories, they can change their communities, influence policy, and build a more just and sustainable future.
Our Vision
A Uganda where women and girls are heard, respected, and shaping the decisions that affect their environment, land, and livelihoods. A nation where women’s voices drive policy, influence practice, and create lasting change for communities and the planet.
Our Mission
To empower grassroots women and girls to tell their stories, strengthen their collective voice, and drive change through media, advocacy, and movement building. We equip women with skills, platforms, and confidence to influence decisions on land, natural resources, and environmental justice.
What guides our work
Voice is Power
We believe every woman has a story worth telling and the right to be heard.
Collective Action
Lasting change happens when women organize and act together.
Environmental Justice
Women must be at the center of decisions affecting their environment.
Accountability
We demand transparency and hold leaders responsible for their actions.
What WISE is working toward
The uploaded site defined six core objectives. They are preserved here so they can be edited later as the organization grows.
Amplify women’s voices in natural resource governance through women-led media advocacy and storytelling.
Strengthen women’s confidence, leadership, and advocacy skills for participation in decision-making.
Promote gender-responsive and transparent governance of natural resources.
Enhance women’s resilience through climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods.
Prevent gender-based violence and promote safety and dignity for women in extractive and rural communities.
Influence policy and practice through research, evidence-based advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
Our team
The original site featured a leadership section. Those profiles are kept here as editable content.
Dr. Sarah Nakato
Executive Director
Leading WISE with over 15 years of experience in women’s rights and environmental advocacy.
Grace Auma
Programs Director
Overseeing program implementation and community engagement across Uganda.
Patricia Odoi
Media & Communications Lead
Building platforms for women’s voices to reach national and international audiences.
Mary Komugisha
Advocacy Coordinator
Leading policy engagement and movement building initiatives.