Our History
CRESS Africa Foundation, established on October 16, 2023, is a faith-based, non-profit organization registered in Uganda as a company limited by guarantee without share capital. The foundation originated from CRESS UK, a Christian, non-denominational charity founded in 2010 with the mission to alleviate poverty, advance Christian teachings, and promote education in South Sudan and Northern Uganda. Due to the heightened risks associated with operating in South Sudan and adhering to the UK Foreign Office's advisory against all travel to the region (as of June 22, 2023), CRESS UK shifted its focus solely to Northern Uganda's West Nile region to ensure the safety of its staff and volunteers.
On September 28, 2023, CRESS UK amended its objectives to better align with the prevailing conditions and optimize its operational scope. This strategic adjustment aimed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of CRESS’s initiatives while maintaining a sustainable, cost-effective approach. Consequently, CRESS UK decided to establish an indigenous NGO in Uganda to further its mission with a focus on minimizing costs and increasing the sustainability of its efforts.
Thus, CRESS Africa Foundation Limited was formally established and registered on October 16, 2023, with the mandate to prevent and relieve poverty, advance the Christian religion, and promote education in Uganda and, in the future, the broader East Africa Community. Additionally, we are registered as a Community Based Organization (CBO) in Terego District, which hosts refugees, and have secured a permission letter from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Arua to implement projects in the Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement and Imvepi Refugee Settlement. We have also made significant progress towards obtaining an operational license from the NGO Bureau and are hopeful to receive the permit this year.
CRESS UK and CRESS Africa Foundation are committed to working collaboratively to extend support to vulnerable community members and fulfill the shared objectives of both organizations. This partnership aims to further the mission and vision of CRESS, ensuring a sustained and impactful presence in the regions we serve.
If you have more questions, please get in touch with us.
Isaac Soro, Executive Director, CRESS Africa Foundation with Caroline Lamb, CEO, CRESS UK
