LocationsKorea’s Support to Karamoja: Strengthening Resilience through the BRICK Project
July 14, 2025
Mr. Jongyun Choi and Ms. Kyungbin Baek from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs meet with UNDP Uganda’s senior leadership, led by Resident Representative Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor.
On the 25th of May, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda welcomed key partners from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to witness firsthand the impact of Korea’s continued support to the Government of Uganda. The delegation, comprising Mr. Jongyun Choi and Ms. Kyungbin Baek, toured key project sites in the Karamoja region, where Korea-funded initiatives are transforming lives and building resilience in some of Uganda’s most vulnerable communities.
The delegation visited communities benefiting from the Building Resilience in Conflict-Affected and Fragile Communities of Karamoja (BRICK) Project. This UNDP-led initiative, supported by the Government of Korea through KOICA, aims to strengthen peace, improve livelihoods, and enhance resilience across Karamoja. The project currently supports over 20,000 people in Kotido, Kaabong, and Moroto through interventions such as community dialogues, construction of piped water systems, and cash-for-work programmes, that are fostering peace, increasing household incomes, and equipping the youth with skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Ms. Kyungbin Baek receives a traditional Karimojong scarf as a gesture of gratitude from the community.
Monitoring mission in Kotido.
In Lookorok, the delegation was warmly received by the community that is now benefiting from a newly constructed piped water system. This system, which includes a 50,000-litre steel tank, provides access to safe water for over 15,000 people across nine villages in Lokwakial Sub-County, contributing to both improved health and peacebuilding efforts.
During the community dialogue, heartfelt testimonies were shared by the community including members of the Women Peace Forum, Karachunas (reformed warriors), and the Youth from the Kotido Technical Institute, many of whom are gaining practical skills through vocational training supported by KOICA and implementing partners such as Better World and Grassroots Alliance for Rural Development (GARD). These testimonies demonstrated how the BRICK project is helping equip women, youth, and formerly armed individuals with tools for sustainable livelihoods and long-term peace.
Beneficiaries of the BRICK Project in Karamoja
Beyond Karamoja: Korea's broader partnership with UNDP in Uganda
Korea’s support to Uganda through KOICA extends well beyond the BRICK Project. During the mission, the delegation reflected on a range of Korea-funded initiatives that are advancing resilience, inclusion, and sustainable development across the country, including;
- The Uganda Host and Refugee Community Empowerment Project
- Strengthening Urban Resilience to Emerging Disasters and Climate Risk in Busia
- Strengthening Uganda’s National Statistical System
- Modern community markets in Adjumani, Lamwo, and Obongi, which are promoting peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities
These efforts demonstrate Korea’s ongoing commitment to supporting Uganda’s national priorities through strategic partnerships with UNDP.
The Way Forward
Impressed by the progress witnessed during the visit, the Korean delegation commended the effectiveness of the BRICK project and reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development through strong partnerships with UN agencies, including UNDP.
Korea’s development efforts are closely aligned with Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III), by supporting national efforts to build resilient communities, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen systems for sustainable development. As Uganda continues its journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, partnerships like this remain vital in turning vision into impact.
Looking ahead, continued collaboration between UNDP and the Republic of Korea is key to scaling up successful initiatives like the BRICK project and can replicate them in other regions.
By Michelle Jacqueline Awak, Digital Communications Specialist