Digital Safety Camp with
Student Leaders at Fort Portal SSS

ADVANCING CHILD
ONLINE SAFETY IN UGANDA A joint collaboration by Internet Society Uganda Chapter (ISOC) & Bridge Africa Research Organisation (BARO) WATCH VIDEO TRAILER

BREAKING BARRIERS ...
BUILDING FUTURES BARO and Penal Reform International are proud to partner on a Skills Training Program for female inmates at Katojo Women’s Prison. Ms Sharon Nyambe – Uganda Head office UNODC shares her thoughts at the Validation Workshop, a crucial step in our journey to provide women with the skills and support needed to thrive upon release CLICK TO READ MORE

SKILL BUILDING Flour, Sugar and Skill! Our Artisanal Students are whipping up a storm, creating mouth watering treats that delight. Join us and develop your skills in the art of baking and a lot more!! CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives

At BARO, we empower individuals, communities, and organisations to take action and drive positive change. We believe in creating a vibrant ecosystem where creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability converge to drive positive impact, economic growth, and social progress.

We envision a future where Africa thrives, leveraging digital technologies and innovation to address pressing challenges and promote equitable development. Together, let’s inspire action and transform lives. Learn more about our initiatives and how you can be part of our journey towards creating a brighter future for all.

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Intelligent Solutions to address societal challenges.

Education, Culture & Heritage

Preserving heritage, promoting cultural knowledge and education excellence

Artisanship

Nurturing talent with practical skills and mentorship

Climate Change & Green Economy

Sustainable solutions for a greener future

Our Mission

To create a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital excellence, where creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability converge to drive positive impact, economic growth, and socio-cultural progress in Uganda and beyond.

We empower individuals, communities, and organizations to drive positive change and create lasting impact. Through digital inclusion, we bridge the divide and foster a more equitable society.

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BARO’S FOOTPRINTS

“you can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

Showcasing our journey of discovery, highlighting progress and advancements in the field, with each article leaving a lasting mark and paving the way for future innovations.

Rise Beyond the Ring: Culinary Creativity as a Catalyst for Empowerment

Rise Beyond the Ring: Culinary Creativity as a Catalyst for Empowerment

When most people think of donuts, they imagine the familiar ring-shaped treat, simple, sweet, and predictable. But at Katojo Women’s Prison, something extraordinary is happening. Donuts are being reimagined not just as food, but as a canvas for creativity, empowerment, and transformation. As part of an ongoing Culinary Arts training program, women offenders at Katojo are being equipped with practical skills that go far beyond the kitchen. Sponsored by Penal Reform International and implemented by BARO – Bridge Africa Research Organisation, this initiative is more than a vocational exercise; it’s a journey of self-expression, confidence-building, and economic empowerment. In yesterday’s workshop, participants were challenged to think differently. Using the same standard dough measurements, they explored how design and optical illusion could make a donut appear larger, more appealing, and commercially competitive. The task wasn’t just technical, it was artistic. Each woman was encouraged to infuse her creation with personality, passion, and visual flair. With more practise, they should perfect their designs, or atleast choose the design they prefer to make. The results were inspiring. From braided twists to floral-inspired shapes, the donuts reflected a bold departure from tradition. While some designs were still in the early stages of refinement, the energy in the room was electric. These women weren’t just baking, they were innovating. This approach to culinary training offers multiple advantages. It enhances marketability by teaching product differentiation, encourages entrepreneurial thinking, and fosters pride in craftsmanship. Artistic food presentation can elevate customer experience, increase perceived value, and open doors to niche markets such as catering, boutique bakeries, and food exhibitions. Most importantly, it restores dignity. By learning to create something beautiful and sellable, these women are reclaiming agency over their futures. They are building skills that can support reintegration, financial independence, and personal growth. As we look ahead, the possibilities are endless. What if every donut told a story? What if every bite carried the imprint of resilience and creativity? At Katojo, that future is already taking shape … one design at a time.

5. Aug 2025
posted by admin
Bug Off, Brilliantly! Choosing Your Perfect Repellent Strategy

Bug Off, Brilliantly! Choosing Your Perfect Repellent Strategy

When warmer weather beckons us outdoors, it often brings along an unwelcome entourage of biting insects that quickly turn pleasure into discomfort. Mosquitoes, in particular, seem to thrive on gatecrashing every picnic, evening walk, and quiet garden moment. To keep them at bay, insect repellents have become essential companions—but not all repellents are created equal, and not all need to come from a shelf. At BARO, we believe that every person should be equipped not only with the knowledge to protect oneself but also with the skills to create that protection from scratch. Through our Personal Care Program, we teach participants how to formulate their own safe, effective, and beautifully customized insect repellents using natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, lavender, neem oil, and more. It’s an empowering experience—one that allows you to tailor your protection to suit your skin type, scent preferences, and lifestyle. Homemade insect repellents offer a refreshing alternative to conventional store-bought sprays. They’re kinder to sensitive skin, free from harsh synthetic chemicals, and crafted with ingredients you know and trust. At BARO, we walk you through the cosmetic chemistry behind each blend, ensuring safety, efficacy, and compliance. The result is a product that doesn’t just work—it feels good to use and is infused with your own creative choices. Learning to make your own repellent isn’t just a DIY trend—it’s a gateway to understanding nature’s protective power. It can reduce household costs, help minimize plastic waste, and even inspire entrepreneurship. Our Personal Care Program is designed to build professional skills in formulation, product development, and quality control, opening doors to career opportunities or the launch of your very own product line. Of course, commercial insect repellents still have their place. Backed by research and regulated for consistency, many contain active ingredients like DEET or picaridin that offer long-lasting protection in high-risk outdoor environments. But they also come with trade-offs: packaging waste, limited personalization, and sometimes skin sensitivity issues. Knowing how to navigate both options makes you adaptable, informed, and confident. When you’ve made your own repellent … chosen the oils, adjusted the scent, bottled it with care, you don’t just keep the bugs away. You’ve taken ownership of a product, a process, and a skill. You’ve made something both useful and beautiful. That’s what we teach at BARO: not just protection, but possibility. So if you’re ready to swap store shelves for formulation tables and learn how to craft repellents that reflect both science and style, enlist in our Personal Care Program. This isn’t just about avoiding bug bites. It’s about building knowledge, confidence, and a future—one blend at a time.

25. Jul 2025
posted by admin
Crisps with Purpose: A Journey of Taste, Talent, and Transformation

Crisps with Purpose: A Journey of Taste, Talent, and Transformation

In a heartwarming display of rehabilitation and empowerment, a group of women offenders at Katojo Women’s Prison recently showcased their culinary skills, thanks to a training program sponsored by Penal Reform International and facilitated by BARO. What we witnessed was far more than a cooking class—it was a vibrant expression of growth, creativity, and possibility. These women, now equipped with professional techniques, proudly demonstrated their mastery in preparing crisps and chips—crafted to the quality served at renowned four and five star hotel and eatery establishments in Fort Portal Tourism City. The transformation was remarkable. Gone were the roadside-style portions; in their place were perfectly golden, evenly sliced creations with a crisp outer texture and a soft, delicate center. When asked which version they preferred, the answer was unanimous: the elevated chips not only tasted better but looked more refined, were less oily, and gave off a sense of pride and accomplishment. But the real spark came when we introduced the concept of food art. Asking them how they would creatively present their dishes opened a floodgate of ideas. One suggested using food-safe color to dye cabbage for a vibrant garnish. Another envisioned shaping crisps into floral arrangements. Others imagined spirals of chips with dips placed thoughtfully at the center, banana leaf cones as serving vessels, and herb sprinkles to invoke both aroma and elegance. Each idea was a window into their personal artistry and growing confidence. Food art, as it turns out, is a powerful tool. It elevates not just the plate, but the person behind it. For clients, it transforms a simple dish into a moment of delight. It enhances visual appeal, communicates care and attention to detail, and builds a distinct brand identity. For the women creating it, it fosters creativity, strengthens mental well-being, and sharpens entrepreneurial thinking—building skills that extend well beyond the kitchen. These women are not just cooking; they are crafting experiences. They are reclaiming dignity, expressing voice, and discovering a pathway forward. Initiatives like this are a testament to what’s possible when skill-building is paired with purpose. Through the BARO training program, supported by Penal Reform International, we are witnessing a transformation that isn’t just about reintegration—it’s about unlocking and celebrating human potential. This is the kind of rehabilitation that inspires communities, fuels dreams, and sets the table for a future filled with flavor, artistry, and meaningful impact. In the picture above: A flavorful showcase of technique and creativity: assorted chips and crisps prepared with a variety of finishes … from double-fried onion-infused golden cuts, to cinnamon-scented slices, to half-boiled and bay leaf-kissed versions. Crisped to perfection and spiced with turmeric, garlic, cardamom, or simply a touch of salt, each batch tells its own delicious story. Some artisanal, some minimalist, all bursting with purpose and potential.

23. Jul 2025
posted by admin

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