The Potters of Akiliba

In the rural West Nile area of Northern Uganda you will find the village of Akiliba, home to our artisan partners who are determined to use pottery as a way to sustain their entire community. Farming and agriculture in the area has traditionally been unsuccessful so the 1500 residents have relied on their skills as potters to generate any sort of income. Their beautiful creations are hand built using locally sourced clay, and then stacked into a brush covered mound for firing.

Because of their remote location and a lack of transportation, the group had struggled with being able to access the larger markets in the area, which meant they typically were only able to sell one or two pots per month. Now, through Obakki’s partnership with the village we’ve been able to help them travel to these markets, enabling the community to grow a sustainable local source of income.

Independence is as critical for these artisans as the preservation of their ancient craft. Naima, one of the village elders passionately summarizes this sentiment –

“We want to get out of poverty and be able to feed ourselves and put our children through school.”

MEET THE PEOPLE OF AKILIBA

Independence is as critical for these artisans as the preservation of their ancient craft. Naima, one of the village elders passionately summarizes this sentiment – “We want to get out of poverty and be able to feed ourselves and put our children through school.”