About ICON

A community organisation led by the people of Ibanda, working for holistic and inclusive development.

Who we are

Ibanda Community Organisation Network (ICON) is a registered charity headquartered in Ibanda District, Uganda. Founded in December 2019, ICON was established by a group of local stakeholders who recognised the need for community-driven solutions to the challenges facing Ibanda.

With visionary leadership under the patronage of Dr. Patrick Bitature, ICON is dedicated to fostering holistic and inclusive development in the region.

We believe that through collective action we can uplift our communities and achieve sustainable growth. ICON is a platform where individuals, businesses and local institutions work together on social, economic and environmental issues.

Get in touch
ICON patron with community leaders

Our vision, mission and goal

What we stand for, how we work, and where we are going.

Our Vision

ICON exists to be a leader in community development and an unbiased partner in the implementation of strategies to achieve holistic and inclusive development.

Our Mission

To empower communities and enhance their wellbeing through networks, partnerships, social action, citizen participation, public advocacy, popular education and local service development.

Strategic Goal

Creation of citizen-led initiatives to contribute to the realisation of the 2040 agenda through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the community.

Our objectives

Clear, practical aims that guide every program and decision.

Enhancing livelihoods

We improve the livelihood of the people of Ibanda through business clinics, trainings, talk shows and symposiums.

Promoting a culture of saving

We establish savings and investment clubs and provide financial literacy education.

Supporting vulnerable groups

We equip women, children, people living with disabilities and school dropouts with skills and resources to earn an income.

Promoting tourism

We promote Ibanda's tourism sites, support the Equator economy and host events like the Great African Cycling Safari.

Strengthening partnerships

We link sectors and development actors to make better use of resources and work together.

Sharing information

We collect, package and share information among stakeholders to support transparency and informed decisions.

Our values

Community empowerment

We believe in the power of collective action and collaboration to achieve community-driven solutions.

Inclusivity

ICON welcomes all people of Ibanda, whether by birth, marriage or work, to join and contribute.

Sustainability

We promote sustainable practices in every aspect of our work.

Integrity

We prioritise transparency and accountability in all that we do.

Meet our team

The leaders behind ICON's work in Ibanda.

Dr. Patrick Bitature

Dr. Patrick Bitature

Patron

Rev. Can. Sandra Mwebaze

Rev. Can. Sandra Mwebaze

Chairperson

Ahimbisibwe Justus

Ahimbisibwe Justus

Vice Chairperson

Naturinda Sylivia

Naturinda Sylivia

Chief Executive Officer

Benard Wasswa

Benard Wasswa

Secretary

Prof. Peter Kanyandago

Prof. Peter Kanyandago

Treasurer

Christopher Banura

Christopher Banura

Research and Proposal Writing

Katushabe Naome

Katushabe Naome

Legal Advisor

Participants at an ICON business clinic

Our impact

Since our inception, ICON has made significant strides in empowering the people of Ibanda. From business clinics to chess competitions and tourism promotion, our initiatives have directly reached more than 2,000 small and medium enterprises, students and community members.

We have facilitated agribusiness dialogues, established savings clubs and partnered with organisations such as Stanbic Bank, Ibanda University and Prudential Assurance Limited to help our community thrive.

Stakeholder engagements

Collaboration is essential to sustainable development. ICON takes an active part in these local forums so the voice of the community is heard.

West Ankole Civil Society Organisation Forum (WACSOF)

ICON works with other civil society organisations to advocate for the rights and needs of the community and to coordinate effective social change.

Ibanda District Production Coordination Committee (IDPCC)

We contribute to the planning and delivery of agricultural and production initiatives so local farmers get the support they need.

Ibanda District Farmers Initiative Association (IBADIFA)

This network connects us with local farmers, so we can promote good farming practice, run training and encourage collaboration.

Local Economic Development Investment Committee (LEDIC)

We help attract investment, create jobs and advocate for initiatives that benefit local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Ibanda Municipal Development Forum (MDF)

We join stakeholders from every sector to align development priorities for Ibanda Municipal Council with community needs.