The Teso Relief Campaign started in 1986. The charity was formed as a spontaneous response to the crisis that erupted in 1987/8, and was registered in 1991. As the crisis subsided, and the extent of the damage to the social and economic infrastructure of the District was realised, TDT was established as a UK registered charity to work with partner agencies (mainly churches) to support long term recovery and development of the area. It also aimed to act as a voice for the community to a wider world. Its UK board and supporters comprise Iteso living in England, and British members with experience of short and long term living and working in Teso, still committed to its recovery and prosperity. Its members are closely in touch with the needs and challenges of the area.

Since 1989, the trust has supported a wide range of projects carried through by its partners in Teso, notably the Church of Uganda and the Pentecostal Assemblies of God. These have included:

• Emergency relief: food aid, mosquito nets, sanitation
• Provision of basic necessities for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps
• Resettlement of IDPs through providing seeds and tools
• Micro business loan schemes
• Improvement of farming through training, tools and restocking
• Support for local mission hospitals
• Improvement of school buildings and equipment
• Sponsorship of education of children at secondary school
• Water improvement projects
• Training and Bible Translation for Churches