About us – IPREP

iPREP | We Lead the Way and others follow

Background

Following the World Bank withdrawal from the Transport Sector Project (Fort-Portal Kamwenge project) in 2015, an Inspection panel was commissioned which highlighted several non-compliances. The areas of weakness identified on TSDP were taken as good lessons and formed a basis for the recruitment of resettlement experts among other staff members, establishment of strong safeguards systems at the former the former UNRA and building capacity of staff members who were involved in the resettlement process. The former UNRA, having been a learning institution, picked several lessons from the TSDP experience; among which was the need to build a body of knowledge. The body of knowledge or a central place where capacity is built will not only benefit specialties involved in resettlement processes but also enable them to understand the minimum professional requirements, promote accountability and give room for growth or benefit from those who have better experience.

The above notwithstanding, following the closure of UNRA, not all systems and resettlement expertise that former UNRA had built will move to the Ministry of Works and Transport. Realizing this fact, a group of seven former UNRA staff (from Engineering, Valuation, Survey, Social and Environmental backgrounds) came together and formed a professional not-for-profit body, with the aim of preserving the skills and expertise that former UNRA had created in Resettlement Management. The seven would form the founding members championing the think tank and kickstart the process. After creating systems and developing professional development programs, the institute would start by enrolling staff of Ministry of Works involved in processes leading to resettlement and thereafter, membership would be opened to other sectors, the public and to university students.

Our Approach

The Institute of Professional Resettlement Planners provides support to all its members, irrespective of their location. Members have access to information and continuous professional development from fellow resettlement experts from within and or outside Uganda.

Our Mission

To professionalize resettlement practice in a manner that is responsive to the specific needs of the affected people and aspirations of project developers.

Our Vision

A leading body of highly skilled resettlement Professionals

Our Core Values

Professionalism, Transparency, Collaborative, Respectful, Innovative

Our Objectives

- To preserve the Resettlement Human Resource pool that UNRA had developed over the nine years.
- To Professionalize the Resettlement Practice; establish and implement a professional code of conduct.
- To unite and consolidate all Practitioners engaged in Resettlement planning and implementation.
- To continuously improve on the standards of Resettlement Planning and implementation through adoption of improved technologies and research.
- To monitor resettlement studies for projects, evaluate and advise government, local government and local authorities, other public bodies, without profit.
- To establish professional linkages and networks that help resettlement practitioners in Uganda market their brand globally.
- To maintain a database of Trained and Certified Resettlement Practitioners.
- To publish and distribute books, magazines, periodicals, journals, newsletters, and other work that relate to or incidental to involuntary resettlement.
- To associate with any other organization or association whose aims and objectives are similar in nature to the aims and objectives of the Resettlement Institute.
- Play a key role in influencing government resettlement policy direction.
- To obtain, receive and administer subscriptions, from persons whether members of the Institute or not, who are desirous of supporting the same or furthering the objectives of the Institute