The concept of a “Smart village” can be summarized according the definition of the European Commission: “The emerging concept of smart villages refers to rural areas and communities which build on their existing strengths and assets as well as on developing new opportunities”.

The “Sam Owori Projects” focus on the concept of the Smart Village Kidera. Several categories have been addressed, always with the distinctive aspect of sustainability:

- high-quality education
- economic development and training in new business skills
- implementation of solar energy
- better equipped medical
- access to clean water.

The main intention is reducing poverty, providing new employment avenues to prevent migration of the youth to cities.

Digital technologies and innovations can help to make Kidera a safe and worthwhile place in this world, both in traditional and new networks and collaborations.

By 2026, Kidera should have developed into a ‘Smart Village’ and can be used as a model for many other villages.

Every long journey begins with the first step. We have taken the first step in Kidera. Through the ‘Sam Owori Projects’, Kidera is becoming a model village and is to be used as a pilot project to transfer the concept of the ‘Smart Village’ to several villages in eastern Uganda, thus, scaling up the initiative.

The Rotary Foundation has launched scaling-programmes to support evidence-based programmes that have already demonstrated success. Scaling proven programmes will benefit more people and promote the development of policies and sustainable programmes.

To increase our impact, we must continue to invest in relationships, make decisions based on facts, and mobilise our networks to create lasting solutions.

While continuing to support the fantastic work we are all doing in these projects, we also want to find new ways to fulfil our mission of learning together and demonstrating the power of creating positive change in one of the poorest regions of Uganda.

Therefore, it is planned to apply for a Large Scale Project in 2026/27.