With Norec Network Uganda, the very first country-based network has been established. The goal is for the country-based network to be self-sustained and to engage network members in Uganda.

“When the Norec Network was first launched in 2023, the goal was to create a space where everyone who had participated in a Norec exchange could share knowledge and experiences. But we quickly realised that the network needed country branches; otherwise, it would be too challenging to organise meaningful activities. That is why we are now establishing networks in the countries where we have the most members,” says Tonje Polden Steinsland, project leader of the Norec Network.

The Norec network was first launched in Nairobi, Kenya in June 2023. Since then, nearly 2,300 former participants have joined the network, and the number is steadily growing.

For the country-based network in Uganda 20 former Norec participants were carefully selected amongst network members who had applied for a membership in the country-based network. They gathered in Kampala, Uganda during the first weekend of February to establish the country-based network.

“They have worked intensively to define the network, how it should function, and what it should offer. This is pioneering work, and the country-based networks will vary from country to country, depending on cultural contexts and needs,” says Steinsland.

Committee to ensure progress

The Norec Network Uganda will serve as an administrative body and a driving force for activities for Norec Network members in the country.

To ensure that the Uganda network moves forward, a committee has been elected to oversee its operations.  Raymond Joseph Nsereko was chosen as the leader. The committee also includes Jimmy King, Richard Baguma, Justus Kansiime, Enok Muwanguzi, Rachael Kezala Kunihira, Joy Achola Ebong, Phiona Mahirwe, and Sarah Mawerere.

Committee leader Raymond Joseph Nsereko (45) from Kampala is a trained designer and currently works as a lecturer at Makerere University. He is delighted that the country-based network is established in Uganda and has high expectations for what the network can achieve.

“We will develop activities for the Norec network in Uganda, and we have many ideas to work on. I believe the opportunities are endless,” says Nsereko.

A diverse steering group

He did not know anyone in the Uganda network beforehand but felt that the group functioned well from the start.

“We work very well as a group, so I have great confidence that this will be a success,” says Nsereko.

Believes in significant ripple effects

Phiona Kaungi from Uganda was on exchange in Arusha, Tanzania from 2019 to 2020. She is very pleased that Norec decided to establish networks of former Norec exchange participants.

“Meeting here in Norec Network Uganda has been great. We have exchanged ideas, made connections, and discovered many opportunities. It has been refreshing, and I am excited about the journey ahead,” says Kaungi.

She is also one of the committee members leading the future development of Norec Network Uganda. She believes the network can have significant ripple effects.

“I have high expectations. I believe we can have a significant impact both politically, economically, and socially here in Uganda. We will come together, learn from each other, and work together towards the sustainable development goals,” says Kaungi.