Zoota Initiative for Development is a social justice and community development organisation established in November 2023 and based in Vurra, Arua District in Uganda’s West Nile region. The organisation works in rural, cross-border, marginalised and underserved communities along the Uganda–DRC border where structural inequality, poverty, conflict legacies and limited access to services continue to undermine justice, wellbeing and economic opportunity.

Zoota’s mission is to break down barriers, inspire hope and drive positive change by equipping individuals and communities with the tools, knowledge and support they need to thrive. The organisation envisions a world where justice is the foundation of flourishing communities and economies, and where economic strength, vibrant health and active civic participation define everyday life for all citizens.

Zoota’s programs focus on youth and women as agents of change and are grounded in community-led, rights-based and survivor-centred approaches. Key thematic areas include; prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), human rights and access to justice, rural economic empowerment and livelihoods, health and psychosocial wellbeing, migration and cross-border justice, and environmental conservation and climate justice. Activities include; legal aid and human rights education, GBV prevention and survivor support, youth leadership and skills development, entrepreneurship and livelihoods training, community dialogue and reconciliation and advocacy at local and national levels.

Through partnerships with community structures, civil society and public institutions, Zoota works to strengthen resilience, amplify marginalised voices and contribute to sustainable, just and inclusive development in borderland communities.