Driven by the need for sustainable development and self-reliance in rural communities, this research only focuses on the creation of a self-reliant community district in Masaka, Uganda, through the principles of humanitarian architecture. This study aims explicitly to propose design guidelines to create a district in Masaka, Uganda, facilitating a self-reliant community by applying a humanitarian architecture approach. The project's three cornerstones are: affordable housing, urban agriculture, and community engagement. The aim of the research was realized through a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data. The process was divided into four stages: defining the scope and objectives of the project, carrying out a systematic literature review and public questionnaire, analyzing selected case studies and expert interviews, and examining the proposed site in Masaka. The framework incorporates community needs and input, providing a design that reflects local culture and aspires to be truly sustainable in the long run. Finally, the proposed project is a self-sustaining community district with housing, agricultural initiatives, and recreational space and best represents the environmental context and the region's cultural values. The framework has guided the development of resilient and empowered communities in Masaka, Uganda, and applies to similar contexts in Africa and beyond.