Giving Stories Blog

On International Youth Day, Eligu Ronald, founder of Touch the Slum Charity Foundation, drew inspiration from a childhood memory of Uncle Patu, the neighborhood barber who once gave him a free haircut that left him with confidence and dignity. With borrowed clippers, chairs, and the will to serve, Ronald and his youth team set up a pop-up salon, later joined by Uganda’s top professional barber, Bryan Barber. Together, they gave children not just haircuts but hope, relief for parents, and purpose for volunteers. What seemed small became a reminder that true generosity restores dignity, unites communities, and proves that we can all be the “Uncle Patu” of this generation.

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Africa is not a continent of beggars, it is a continent of givers. Reflecting on the World Giving Report 2025, which shows Africa leading global generosity with 1.54% of income donated to good causes (compared to 1.04% globally), Moses Maurice Mugerwa highlighted how generosity reveals deeper truths about Africa. From a strong culture of trust and community, to untapped partnership potential, to markets deeply engaged and emotionally invested, Africa’s giving spirit shows it is ready for mutual growth, innovation, and transformation. For investors and changemakers, the message is clear: plug into community, respect the culture of giving, and you’ll find a continent eager to grow together.

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At the Annual Philanthropy Symposium with CivSource Africa, spoken word artist and psychology student Alan Ntare performed his poem “A Simple Seed,” a moving piece centered on generosity, giving back to communities, and creating lasting change. The event mirrored the poem’s spirit, with powerful conversations from speakers deeply involved in philanthropy and social impact. Alan expressed gratitude to Jacqueline Asiimwe Mwesige for the opportunity to use poetry as a vessel for such an important message, proving that art, like giving, can plant seeds that grow into transformation.

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At the Annual Philanthropy Symposium, AIM Corporate Wellbeing Consults Ltd joined partners in celebrating and reclaiming giving under the theme Centering Local Philanthropy in Uganda. Over three days, words like love, kindness, impact, and sustainability resonated more than money, underscoring that true philanthropy goes beyond finances. Through its social impact policy, AIM has already reached over 500,000 people across Africa with free awareness campaigns and training on workers’ rights, decent work, and occupational wellbeing—proving that collaboration fuels inclusion and sustainability. Appreciation goes to CivSource Africa, CivLegacy Foundation, and partners for mobilizing such an insightful space promoting local philanthropy and independence.

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The Gathering of Givers 2025 was a powerful reminder that true generosity serves, stays, and sustains. The passion and dedication in the room were contagious, showing that giving is not just a moment but a movement for lasting impact. Gratitude goes to all who believe that generosity can change the world, and to those who keep proving that when we Give for Good, communities thrive. #GiveForGood #GatheringOfGivers

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The Purple Bench Initiative was honored to join #PhilanthropyWeek2025, a powerful space for celebrating and reclaiming local giving. As an epilepsy-focused organization, the initiative emphasized that lasting change begins when communities lead, own, and sustain the solutions that affect them. The gathering reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and mobilizing support so no one living with epilepsy is left behind. Appreciation goes to CivLegacy Foundation and the Uganda National NGO Forum for creating a platform that uplifts community-led change. #PurpleBenchInitiative #GatheringOfGivers #EpilepsyAwareness #LocalGiving #Inclusion

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Giving fuels change, and #PhilanthropyWeek2025 proved it once again. The Annual Philanthropy Symposium and Gathering of Givers, hosted by CivLegacy Foundation and the Uganda National NGO Forum, created a week of insightful learning, meaningful networking, and deep inspiration from people who give not out of abundance but out of gratitude for what they once received. Thanks to the hosts, the generous givers who participated, and the powerful spirit of generosity that brought us all together. #OmutimaOmugabi #PhialnthropyWeek2025

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At the Annual Philanthropy Symposium and the 6th Gathering of Givers, generosity, innovation, and impact came alive in powerful ways. Stories from changemakers reminded us that giving is not only about resources but also about heart, intention, and the courage to act. The event, organized by CivLegacy Foundation and the Uganda National NGO Forum, renewed belief in the ripple effect of collective action and honored the givers whose generosity fuels hope. As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”#PhilanthropyWeek2025

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Kampala pulsed with generosity during #PhilanthropyWeek2025, where hikes like #Hike4GirlsUg raised awareness for period poverty and vibrant dialogues centered locally led development. Highlights included the Annual Philanthropy Symposium and the Gathering of Givers, convening changemakers to reimagine giving and social impact. The Agri-Export Exchange (AEX) demonstrated how linking market opportunities with philanthropy can uplift farmers, women, and youth through sustainable agriculture. Leaders such as Jacqueline Asiimwe Mwesige, Robert Ninyesiga, Nankunda Hope, and Valeria Santoro were celebrated for their contributions, reminding us that philanthropy is more than donations, it is collective action, shared knowledge, and systems that empower communities.

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At the 6th Annual Gathering of Givers hosted by CivLegacy Foundation at Ndere Cultural Centre, Ethan Musolini shared a moving story about taking his daughters through stalls of women showcasing handmade crafts. What began as a simple “thank you” turned into an unexpected blessing, a gift of custom-made bracelets for his girls. The experience highlighted the power of discovery, gratitude, and generosity, reminding us that blessings often come when we step out, engage, and give thanks. The event, filled with games, art, music, and conversations, also featured podcast interviews led by Jacqueline Asiimwe of CivSource Africa, reinforcing the spirit of giving as a collective practice.

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#FlashbackFriday – The Annual Philanthropy Symposium 2025, hosted by the Uganda National NGO Forum in partnership with CivSource Africa, brought together changemakers under the theme “Celebrating and Reclaiming Giving: Centering Local Philanthropy in Uganda.” Dr. Stigmata Tenga urged a reimagining of CSR beyond corporate checkboxes, calling for philanthropy rooted in African heritage and collective responsibility: “Our collective freedom will only come from collective struggles… we all have to exercise philanthropy rooted in our African heritage for community-led and sustainable development.” This gathering was more than an event, it was a moment of reckoning, reimagination, and recommitment to locally grounded giving practices that can drive lasting change across Africa.

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The MTN MoMo family laced up with purpose, joining Nsambya Babies Home for the 2025 Charity Walk. Leading the stride of solidarity was Sarah Bateta Okwi, our formidable CFO and this year’s Chief Walker, walking with compassion at the helm.

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#TogetherWeAreUnstoppable #MoMoCares

Raised in a humble Kenyan home without running water or electricity, Wawira never knew hunger, not because it didn’t exist around her, but because her parents made sure education and nourishment were never out of reach. That early advantage became a responsibility.

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The partnership between Rotary District 9213 and the Buganda Kingdom continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration in delivering impactful service to communities. Together, they have constructed 12 homes, providing safe and dignified shelter for families. Ten sewing machines have been donated to support skills development and income generation, while over 5,000 trees have been planted to promote environmental sustainability. The partnership has also facilitated more than eight medical camps, increasing access to healthcare in underserved areas.

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As part of Africa Public Service Day 2025, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) led a heart-centered blood donation drive, reinforcing its commitment to giving through service. Staff received a health talk from Ms. Edith Kembabazi of Uganda Blood Transfusion Services on the benefits of regular blood donation, followed by a mini sports gala that celebrated wellness and unity. The event showcased how meaningful public service goes beyond policy; it’s about showing up for the people, one pint of hope at a time.

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The Gulu City Marathon has honored its commitment by donating UGX 10 million to the Dero Kwan Education Initiative, raised during its first edition, proving how sport can fuel meaningful change. As the 2025 edition approaches, organizers have announced that proceeds will go toward building the Martin Aliker Youth Skilling Centre in Abole, extending the marathon’s impact from education to youth empowerment. This community-driven giving model is a reminder that philanthropy doesn’t always begin in boardrooms; sometimes, it starts with a single step.

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The Bank of Uganda has once again demonstrated the power of institutional generosity by officially handing over Ayago Health Centre III to the people of Lira City under the theme “Maternal & Child Healthcare for a Healthy Society.” This milestone is part of BoU’s ongoing commitment to giving back through health-focused initiatives, having supported 12 health facilities across Uganda since 2019. More than a donation, this act reflects a deeper belief in shared responsibility, where giving becomes a tool for healing, inclusion, and hope for mothers, children, and entire communities.
🔗 Watch the handover live

#GivingDigest #BoUConnects #CSRBoU #UbuntuInAction #GivingIsHealing #MaternalHealth #CommunityCare #HealthForAll #UgandaGivesBack

As part of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, MTN Uganda joined Tooro Kingdom in Fort Portal to support orphans and vulnerable children with a UGX 20 million staff donation, digital tools, solar systems, a playground, and more. With partners and cultural leaders like Queen Best and King Oyo, this act of giving went beyond resources; it restored dignity, created joy, and reaffirmed that meaningful impact grows from deep community roots.

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Absa Bank Uganda has raised UGX 400 million through the 2025 Absa KH3 7 Hills Run, benefiting eight partner organizations working to uplift vulnerable girls through education, healthcare, and empowerment. From solar-powered school bags to holistic support systems, this purpose-led initiative goes beyond charity; it’s about using platforms, brand influence, and community action to drive long-term, measurable impact for over 10,843 girls across Uganda.

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MTN Uganda, through its 2025 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, has demonstrated what intentional, community-rooted giving looks like in the Alur Kingdom. With a focus on healthcare, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment, MTN staff and partners renovated Alwi Health Centre III, installed solar systems, donated medical beds and internet-connected computers, and empowered artisans and youth with tools for economic transformation. This is not charity; it is a bold act of generosity that equips communities with dignity, access, and the power to shape their own future.

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