Voluntary Action for Development (VAD) is an Ugandan NGO recognised as a non profit making organization. The organization works in several districts with the rural poor and disadvantaged communities in order to improve livelihoods.

VAD received a training in disability awareness from Make 12.4% Work. As a follow up, they will receive guidance from Make 12.4% Work on how to become more disability inclusive as an organization. As the executive director Benedict Male put it, ‘Light for the World gave us a very good awareness on how to work with people with disabilities. We will ensure that we now start disability inclusion in our programs and within the organisation as we now have more knowledge on disability.’

Their activities are based around implementing development oriented projects such as water, hygiene and sanitation improvement, sustainable agriculture, MHM training and support with provision of pads, family economic empowerment and rural micro-credit schemes. VAD is known for providing Ugandan communities with safe and clean water facilities by constructing wells, protected springs and rainwater harvesting tanks. Furthermore, they offer sanitation and hygiene facilities to several vulnerable groups, including school children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with HIV/AIDS. Their partnerships consist of project funding and doing business with the poor. They provide practice demonstration trainings for schools and communities and support income-generating activities for women and the youth. In addition, VAD is an active participant of several other networks; the Community Integrated Development Initiative (CIDI), Volunteer efforts for Development concern (VEDCO), and Maganjo Farmers Association (MAFA). In 2013, VAD was the proud winner of the Stars Foundation Impact Award, being recognised as an outstanding locally-led organisation that improves the lives of children and young people.