In 1996 Ugandan Rural Development Training centre (URDT) began working with artisans in the Kasese area. As part of the TFSR/URDT/Comic Relief African Artisan Project the artisans formed the local Network of Kasese Artisans (NOKA). When the network expanded to surrounding areas of Kasese town it changed its name to NOLA, the Network of Local Artisans. It has recently acquired its own offices. There is a Board of Trustees that run the network.

Originally NOKA were part of the URDT programme. However in 2003 they became a partner in their own right. Support so far as focused on supplying tool kits but an organisational capacity building project has been initiated. It is envisaged that at a later date NOLA will run skills training workshops, HIV/AIDS awareness workshops and carry out advocacy on behalf of their members.