FCA Uganda hosts Finnish Parliamentarians for high-level visit

Finn Church Aid (FCA) Uganda hosted a delegation of Finnish Members of Parliament (MPs) from 27–30 October 2025, each representing different constituencies. The team included Ms. Olga Oinas-Panuma, Ms. Karoliina Partanen, Ms. Fatim Diarra, Mr. Vilhelm Junnila,Ms. Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Ms. Sari Tanus and Mr. Henrik Wickström.

The high-level visit aimed to deepen their understanding of FCA Uganda’s work in education, livelihoods and refugee response.

They were joined by Mr. Leo Svahnbäck, Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland in Nairobi; Ms. Katri Suomi, FCA’s Director of External Relations and Fundraising; Mr. Jussi Ojala, Executive Representative to the Gulf; and Mr. Juha Rintamäki, Director of the Helsinki Parish Union.

Setting the stage: FCA Uganda briefing

The visit began with a briefing at FCA Uganda offices, where the delegation met key staff and received an overview of FCA’s programme portfolio in Uganda.

FCA Uganda Country Director Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka presented the organisation’s work across education, livelihoods, youth empowerment and refugee response, highlighting impact and ongoing priorities.

Wycliffe Nsheka presents an overview of FCA Uganda’s programmes to the visiting Finnish Parliamentarians.

Meeting with EU and USAID

Following the briefing, the delegation met with European Union Ambassador Jan Sadek and his team to discuss collaboration in education, livelihoods and refugee support.

Front row, fourth from right: EU Ambassador Jan Sadek with the Finnish delegation and FCA Uganda Country Director Wycliffe Nsheka.

With support from the European Union, FCA Uganda strengthens access to quality education for refugees and host communities. This includes constructing and rehabilitating classrooms, providing learning materials and supporting teacher training to improve education in refugee-hosting districts.

They also engaged with USAID representatives to explore strategies for enhancing refugee self-reliance and supporting community development initiatives.

The delegation engages with Ms. Jacqueline Makokha, UNAIDS Uganda Country Director, representing the UN Resident Coordinator.

Mr. Nsheka then led the MPs on a mission encompassing high-level meetings, field visits and community engagements.

Visit to Kiryandongo refugee settlement

The delegation travelled to Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, where they saw FCA’s education and refugee support initiatives in action.

They interacted with teachers and learners at Arnold and Ematong Primary Schools and toured the newly constructed and rehabilitated classroom blocks funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW).

Finnish delegation engages with students in a classroom in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement.
A member of the Finnish delegation engages with children at Arnold Primary School in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement.

They also visited the Reception Centre to better understand the process new arrivals go through, from registration and orientation to receiving identification documents, an experience that showcased strong coordination between FCA, government partners and UNHCR.

Refugees in Uganda are welcomed, registered, allocated land and provided with essential materials such as wood, basins, and food to start a new life.

Empowering women: A stop in Mityana

In Mityana District, the MPs met women participating in FCA’s Contract Farming Project supported by Women’s Bank Finland. They visited women-led enterprises including energy-saving stove production groups, agro-input stores and the FCA maize bulking centre.

The Finnish delegation explores the maize bulking centre, constructed by FCA Uganda, where women in the Contract Farming Project store maize before selling it at improved market prices.

Conversations with the women, local leaders and project teams highlighted how FCA empowers women to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen household resilience and inspire community change.

Strengthening partnerships: Government and UNHCR engagements

The delegation also met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, to discuss education quality, policy priorities and FCA’s collaboration with the Ministry, especially in refugee-hosting districts.

Front row, second from right: Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, pictured with FCA Uganda Country Director and the Finnish delegation.

They further held talks with the UNHCR Uganda leadership team led by the Deputy Country Representative Mr. Jason Hepps.

Front row, third from left: Deputy Country Representative Mr. Jason Hepps, pictured with the delegation.

FCA Uganda serves as UNHCR’s implementing partner for education in Western Uganda, supporting programs that enhance access, quality and opportunities for refugee and host community learners.

Additionally, FCA leads complementary pathways initiatives across all refugee settlements in Uganda, facilitating safe and legal opportunities for refugees to pursue education and labour mobility.

Policy and perspective: Meeting the State Minister for Refugees

Another key engagement was with Hon. Lillian Aber, State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees. She commended FCA’s work and acknowledged the persistent challenges in humanitarian response, particularly in the face of shrinking global funding.

Front row, third from left: Hon. Lillian Aber, State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, pictured with the Finnish MPs and FCA Uganda Country Director (2nd right).

A warm parliamentary welcome

To conclude their mission, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who welcomed them and conducted a guided tour of the Parliamentary Building.

Left to right: Wycliffe Nsheka, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, presenting a commemorative picture frame of the Ankole Long Horn cow to Finnish MP Vilhelm Junnila.

He applauded FCA’s contribution to education and refugee support, noting:

“Finn Church Aid plays a vital role in strengthening education and supporting some of the most vulnerable communities. We appreciate this partnership and the solidarity shown by the Finnish people.”

Delegation with Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa inside Uganda’s Parliament.

Strengthening bonds and shared commitment

Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka, FCA Uganda Country Director, expressed appreciation for the visit, saying:

“We are grateful to the Finnish Members of Parliament for taking the time to witness our work firsthand. Their visit strengthens our partnership and encourages our teams and the communities we serve. Together, we can continue expanding opportunities for refugees and host communities across Uganda.”

Left to right: Finnish MPs Olga Oinas-Panuma, Karoliina Partanen, Fatim Diarra; Wycliffe Nsheka, Country Director FCA Uganda; Finnish MPs Vilhelm Junnila, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri and Henrik Wickström.

The week-long visit reaffirmed the strong collaboration between FCA Uganda, the Government of Uganda, Finland and international partners committed to improving education, livelihoods and refugee self-reliance.

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Text: Linda Kabuzire/FCA

Images: Bjorn Udd/FCA