Committed to the communities we serve
A national, indigenous Ugandan NGO delivering people-centred, sustainable services to the most vulnerable since 2018.
From a shared idea to six districts and the global stage
Top Notch Community Development Initiative (Top Notch-CDI) was established in 2018 and formally registered as a legal entity in 2021 (Registration No. 80020003286508).
Our secretariat is at Plot 9, Naluvule–Nansana, Hoima Road. Since 2021 our main programming has been in climate action, livelihoods — with a major focus on Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) — and health, with a focus on HIV prevention. Today we work in Kampala, Wakiso, Hoima, Lira, Kyenjojo and Yumbe in the West Nile region.
We are officially accredited by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and in December 2024 we were invited to share our experience at COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — a key milestone in advancing our climate work.
A world where the most vulnerable enjoy impactful and sustainable services.
To provide context-specific, sustainable and impactful solutions grounded in human-centred approaches.
Where we are heading
Our programming is guided by a provisional, approved Five-Year Strategic Plan (January 2025 – December 2029) with a focus on integrated services in four areas.
Climate action and food security — green jobs, afforestation, wetland protection and clean, energy-saving technologies.
Livelihoods and youth employment — high-quality VSLA programmes, financial, digital and business literacy, and youth skills.
Education — supporting children to learn and stay in school, and advocating for education for all.
Health — HIV prevention, care and treatment, with integration of TB, malaria, hepatitis B and NCD information.
The principles that guide us
Every decision we make is shaped by these organisational values.
Our approach
- Community- and district-led programming and ownership
- Partners involved in planning and implementation, guided by our partnership policy
- Holistic, multi-sectoral and integrated approaches
- Age-specific, cultural and gender-sensitive programming
- Evidence- and demand-driven interventions, tracked by our MEAL team
Six districts across Uganda
Our secretariat on Hoima Road coordinates programmes in Central, Western, Northern and West Nile regions.
Wakiso
Head office at Naluvule–Nansana — coordination, finance and administration; partnership with PHIC.
Kampala
Programmes with Jesuit Refugee Service and PHIC, and national-level advocacy.
Kyenjojo
HIV prevention with CHAU — community champions, eMTCT and new prevention options for young women.
Hoima
Partnership with JEFORD; community woodlots and youth activities.
Lira
Partnership with CCYA; home visits and community programmes.
Yumbe
Clean energy — training communities to produce and use briquettes and solar.
A word from our Board Chairperson
“On behalf of the Board, I express our heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders — development partners, community members, the districts of Lira, Kyenjojo, Hoima and Wakiso, my fellow board members, staff and volunteers. Without your support and trust, we would not have achieved much in 2024.
The Board continued to provide policy and governance oversight amidst limited resources. We approved a number of policies, and we are happy that they are being complied with. We call upon everyone to continue providing dedicated services to maximise results and impact on the ground as we serve humanity.”
Tumwebaze Topher
Chairperson, Board of Directors
A message from our Executive Director
“Throughout 2024 we made significant progress and gained valuable insights together, largely under the HIV prevention project targeting adolescent girls, young mothers, infants and children in Kyenjojo District, and through our staff who took part in UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. As a team, we will use these lessons to better serve our communities.
We appreciate the financial support from Africa Reach; our implementing partners CHAU, CCYA and JEFORD; line ministries and agencies, especially the Uganda AIDS Commission; our host district local governments and beneficiaries; our Board, well-wishers including the private sector, our staff and volunteers.”
Mwesigwa Robert J
Executive Director
How we are governed and stay accountable
Board oversight
In 2024 the Board approved a new organogram and salary structure, the 2025 annual work plan and reports, and supported audit functions.
Our team
Eight full-time staff, two part-time staff and two volunteers, led by a management committee that meets monthly with all staff.
Monitoring, evaluation & learning
A dedicated MEAL department runs weekly, monthly and quarterly reviews, guides data collection and supports learning and exchange.
Built to last
Our Sustainability Policy (2023) anchors programmes in community and district ownership so that benefits continue after projects end.
Walk the journey with us
Partner with us, volunteer your skills or support our work so that more vulnerable families in Uganda enjoy impactful, sustainable services.