Who we are

Kakish is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and legal rights of indigenous communities in Uganda - with a central focus on the Batwa people.

For generations, the Batwa lived in harmony with the forests of Bwindi and Virunga, serving as guardians of biodiversity and keepers of ancient traditions. Yet in the name of conservation, they were forcefully evicted from their homelands, stripped of their identity, and pushed to the margins of society. Today, they face extreme poverty, systemic discrimination, lack of access to education, and no legal ownership of the land they once called home.

We believe that justice for the Batwa cannot wait.
Our work is grounded in direct engagement, research-based advocacy, and partnerships with both government institutions and NGOs. Through interviews, on-the-ground collaboration, and public awareness campaigns, we shed light on the injustices that indigenous tribes face.

What We Do:

  • Advocate for land rights and legal recognition of indigenous ownership

  • Develop community-led education and mental health programs

  • Preserve and promote indigenous languages, traditions, and spiritual practices

  • Support initiatives that prioritize self-determination over forced assimilation

  • Collaborate with national and international partners to influence policy

Kakish for Indigenous Rights was born out of the belief that every tribe deserves the right to exist, thrive, and determine their own future, not as subjects of a forgotten history, but as authors of their living legacy.

We don’t speak for indigenous communities. We stand with them.

KAKISH

KAKISH

Our Journey So Far

  • Traveled to Kampala, Uganda, to meet with key members of the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.

  • Conducted interviews with three government officials, gaining insight into state policy on relocation and indigenous rights.

  • Personally engaged to facilitate government access and discussions.

  • Met with InPact (Alvin Muhwezi & Emily Katarikawe) and FightfortheForgotten (Justin Wren) - two leading NGOs protecting indigenous rights in Uganda.

  • Learned about thematic areas often ignored by the government, including alcohol/substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health, which are crucial issues affecting Batwa well-being.

  • Identified gaps between government narratives and on-the-ground realities, bringing transparency to the dialogue around indigenous development.

  • Participated in drafting a new government-backed initiative aimed at relocation and cultural preservation for the Batwa.

  • Highlighted the Batwa’s struggles with landlessness and cultural erasure regarding UNDRIP, African Union frameworks, and post-colonial theory.

  • Advocated for a multi-stakeholder meeting between NGOs and the Ugandan Ministry to ensure future programs reflect the real needs of the Batwa.

  • Integrated academic theories (e.g., constructivism, post-colonialism) to analyze the political marginalization of the Batwa.

  • Elevated indigenous issues through structured analysis that blends personal engagement with global political concepts.

Every meeting, interview, and step taken has brought us closer to meaningful, lasting change. Our journey is far from over - but every action we take is rooted in real relationships, community voice, and a drive to restore justice to those long silenced.

Contact us

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