✦ About jese
Who We Are
Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) is a leading Ugandan non-governmental organization committed to empowering communities to sustainably manage natural resources while improving livelihoods and building resilience to climate change. Since its establishment in 1993, JESE has worked alongside rural communities, local governments, civil society organizations, research institutions, and development partners to promote inclusive, people-centred development.
Over the past three decades, JESE has evolved into a respected national organization implementing integrated programmes in climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, sustainable food systems, water and sanitation, youth employment, and policy advocacy. The organization operates across several districts in Uganda, with a strong presence in the Rwenzori, Albertine Rift and Western Uganda regions, delivering innovative solutions that create lasting environmental, social and economic impact.
Today, JESE continues to champion locally led development by combining community knowledge, scientific innovation, and strategic partnerships to address some of Uganda’s most pressing development challenges.
OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
Established in 1993, JESE was founded in response to the increasing degradation of natural resources and the growing need to improve rural livelihoods through sustainable environmental management. What began as a community-based environmental initiative has grown into a nationally recognized development organization with over 30 years of experience implementing integrated programmes that improve people's well-being while conserving nature.Throughout its journey, JESE has remained committed to working directly with communities, ensuring that local people are at the centre of planning, implementation, monitoring and learning. The organization has expanded from environmental conservation to a broader integrated development approach encompassing climate resilience, food systems, water security, youth empowerment, enterprise development, research, innovation and policy influence.Today, JESE works with thousands of households, farmer organizations, women and youth groups, schools, local governments and international development partners to promote sustainable and resilient communities.
A community where people and nature flourish.
JESE envisions a future where healthy ecosystems support prosperous communities, where natural resources are sustainably managed, and where every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, resilience and hope.
To facilitate people-centred innovative actions that foster equity, sustainable management of natural resources and livelihood improvement.Our mission reflects our commitment to empowering communities through innovation, partnership and evidence-based development approaches that improve livelihoods while protecting the environment for future generations.
JESE is governed through a transparent and accountable governance structure that ensures effective oversight, strategic leadership and responsible stewardship of resources.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees provides strategic oversight, safeguards the organization’s vision and values, and ensures that JESE remains accountable to its stakeholders and legal obligations.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides policy direction, approves strategic priorities, oversees organizational performance, and supports institutional sustainability.
Executive Director
The Executive Director provides overall leadership and is responsible for implementing the Strategic Plan, managing organizational resources, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring quality programme delivery.
Senior Management Team
The Executive Director is supported by a multidisciplinary management team responsible for programme quality, finance and operations, partnerships, resource mobilization, and organizational development.
JESE’s governance framework promotes transparency, accountability, participation and continuous learning, ensuring that the organization delivers measurable results while maintaining the confidence of development partners and the communities it serves.
JESE ORGANOGRAM
Programmes
- 📈Programme Quality
- 🌳Climate & Natural Resources
- 🌾Food Systems & Resilient Livelihoods
- 💧Water, Sanitation & Climate Resilience
- 🧍Youth Employment, Skills & Enterprise
- 📊Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEAL)
- 📄Research & Policy Advocacy
- 📣Communication & Visibility
- 💻ICT & Digital Systems
Finance & Operations
- 🧮Financial Management
- 👥Human Resource Management
- 🚚Procurement & Logistics
- 📄Grants Management
- 🏢Administration & Office Management
Resource Mobilisation & Growth
- 📄Resource Mobilisation & Proposal Development
- 👥Strategic Partnerships & Donor Relations
- 📈Business Development & Social Enterprise
- 💡Research, Innovation & Policy
Our Commitment to Development Partners
OUR CORE VALUES
JESE’s organizational culture is guided by the SETTING values, which shape how staff, partners and stakeholders work together.
Why JESE?
For over three decades, JESE has demonstrated that sustainable development is achieved when communities are empowered to become custodians of their natural resources. Through innovation, strategic partnerships and evidence-based programming, JESE continues to deliver high-impact solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience and conserve the environment for future generations.