Building resilient rural livelihoods through inclusive, practical, and locally rooted systems.
ENCOT Foundation Limited (ENCOT) is a Ugandan non-profit development organization founded in 2006 in Masindi District by local development practitioners and researchers. It was established after field research revealed persistent poverty and structural challenges affecting rural farming households.
In response, a Community-Based Organization known as the Enterprise Support and Community Development Trust was formed to respond directly to community needs. In 2021, ENCOT transitioned into a fully incorporated not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and was officially registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, strengthening governance, expanding operational capacity, and enabling stronger partnerships.
Guided by the philosophy of Opportunity Unlimited, ENCOT focuses on building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient rural economies through agricultural value chain development supported by integrated work in WASH, climate change adaptation and mitigation, financial inclusion, livelihoods development, and circular economy initiatives.
With nearly two decades of experience, ENCOT works through farmer groups, cooperatives, producer associations, and local governments so that interventions remain practical, locally owned, and sustainable. Its blended financing model is supported by development partners, individuals, and investment subsidiaries including ENCOT Microfinance Limited (EML) and Kiroya Farm.
To advance inclusive, sustainable, and resilient rural economies by driving value chain activation and supporting communities to secure stronger, more reliable livelihoods.
A connected, empowered, and vibrant farming community producing sustainably for competitive markets.
The Values that guide how ENCOT serves communities, works with partners, and delivers lasting impact.
We take ownership of our commitments and remain accountable to communities, partners, and results.
We build solutions that strengthen long-term livelihoods, local systems, and shared value.
We approach our work with discipline, professionalism, and a focus on quality service.
We value inclusion and work with people, communities, and partners from different backgrounds and abilities.
We act honestly, ethically, and transparently in the way we serve and lead.
Through AVCAM and digital systems, we keep improving how rural transformation is designed and delivered.
Executive Board Chair
Paschal Mandhawun is the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of ENCOT Group, with a strong focus on advancing community empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, and resilience among rural farming communities in Uganda.
With over 20 years of experience, including senior leadership roles at Aga Khan Foundation Uganda, FINCA Uganda, and World Vision, he brings expertise in financial inclusion, governance, and sustainable development.
His leadership has positioned ENCOT Foundation as a trusted force in improving livelihoods through ecosystem-led initiatives in agriculture and food security, ICT for development, circular economy, climate change resilience, and healthy living, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
“I see ENCOT Foundation as a platform to activate, connect, and empower women, youth, and farmers across Bunyoro and Uganda, building resilient and sustainable communities through practical, community-led solutions in agriculture and food security, ICT, circular economy, climate change and (WASH).”
Executive Director, ENCOT Foundation
Head of Legal
Head of Human Resources and Administration
Risk and Compliance Manager
