Giving Stories Blog

Girls to Lead Africa (GTLA) is a leadership incubator that nurtures and mentors’ girls to take up leadership positions in student councils. During the past 42-day lockdown, they did more than just mentor girls, for leadership.

GTLA donated COVID19 relief food to families and gave masks and sanitisers to the Kanungu women that were sleeping in Kihihi Daily Market during the lockdown.

Inspired by the financial struggle that his grandfather faced while educating his father, Dr. Busingye Kabumba an alumnus and now, lecturer at the Makerere School of Law, birthed the idea to start the Makerere Law Scholarship Fund. Access to education at the School of Law had since turned into a luxury that was accessible by the people who had a stable source of good income. The pandemic and its ripple effect of economic hardships has not made things any better.

Today we share another story of generosity, driven by the power of social media through big, bold and brave giving.

A video story that was reported by BBS Tv, about the plight of household knitted together by a teenager, looking after her siblings after both parents had abandoned them, went viral on a social platform WhatsApp. In a particular WhatsApp group, A Law Development Center (LDC) lecturer, identified as Mulalira Faisal was touched and moved to tears, after viewing the clip of the teenager, struggling to shelter, and feed her siblings in the Central region of Nakaseke District. Read more

“In crisis, portends opportunity”, tells a Chinese saying. Indeed, in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic that continues to cripple the world, philanthropic actions by individuals and organizations are vivid, with several stories of giving being reported and shared in several discussions.

There has been a rise in giving and generosity support the public sector, increased local giving which has birthed homegrown solutions surge to solve emerging local challenges. The effectiveness of giving has soared with institutions and individuals teaming up with partners to respond to the current health crisis.

“What should I give towards?” You ask. Some givers have charted a new course by funding innovative, even edgy causes and ideas. Others have chosen to fill existing gaps in the public sector, a move so noble. This kind of giving has played a complementary role to government’s effort in providing healthcare for all Ugandans.

Rotary clubs in Uganda have made a mark in the health sector by their concerted and consistent donations and drives. We share a story of the Rotary Club of Muyenga which is partnering with the Katalemwa Cheshire Home to manufacture wheelchairs, shoes, and orthopedic assistive devices for children with disabilities.

The most direct effects of Covid-19 have been the fear of infections by the virus and the imminent death that succeeds infections. Yet beyond the direct challenges are more basic difficulties like hunger and the not-so-far-away possibility of starvation for many rural and urban families.

As nations, organizations and leaders continue putting together concerted efforts to resolve the bigger problem, the inner love for humanity has got to kick in to solve more immediate needs. Who better to influence this than community leaders? They are next door leaders, a call away and often sociable.

A popular African saying that effectively expresses a commonplace truth, says that “If you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go further, you go together”.

The saying is not only true in its literal sense, it also holds water within the philanthropic space. We have seen it sprout in different social activities used to converse resources to enable vulnerable folks i.e., cancer runs and in car washes that Ugandans have collectively undertaken to fundraise for individual or community needs. It only goes ahead to radiate a common goal that there’s impact when people, institutions and organisations came together, great things can be achieved. Read more

Edward Kasenge narrates his tough journey to graduation

“Our greatest rugger of all time, Robert ‘Soggy’ Seguya, down with Leukemia. You fought for us, now we fight for you, with you. Let’s do this!!” was a tweet shared by Mark Ssali, a seasoned sports journalist and commentator, about the plight of the Uganda Rugby Cranes tactician, Robert Seguya, who is battling with Leukemia. See more

Benjamin Owor, a seasoned and famous media personality in Uganda, is in need of funds to aid him in undertaking a medical surgery, following an accident that has left him incapacitated to aid himself normally. See more

The guns may be silent but girls in lira in northern uganda continue to suffer from Period poverty as many of the girls and their parents or care takers are unable to afford to buy sanitary products like pads, panties, buckets for girl’s menstrual management due to financial constraints. According to Plan International, in Uganda 28% of girl’s miss school because they are menstruating simply because they cannot afford or access the menstrual management products. See more

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Pidson Wesige Wavamunno’s generosity and piety stood out in the community. These traits remain long after he passed away.

Wavamunno, the fifth of the 10 children of Ssalongo Yovani Wavamunno and Nnalongo Maliza Wavamunno, did not only live his life humbly until his death two years ago aged 74 years, but he also tried to espouse the golden rule principle of treating others as you want to be treated. See more

Susan Namulindwa has a knack for corporate leadership and international business. She is also a self-appointed African ambassador to North America. She founded and is the executive director at Africa Trade Desk, an organisation that highlights business opportunities in Africa to North American companies and vice versa. She founded the organisation in 2019 and it is based in Ottawa, See more

A 10-year-old girl, who was suffering with a big swelling on her right cheek, has received financial and medical assistance following a Daily Monitor story.

Good Samaritans have provided clothing, bedding, and school fees to Priscilla Akongo, 10, who says she was abandoned by her parents after she developed the strange swelling. She is also undergoing an operation at Lacor hospital to remove the swelling. See more

If I were to use a word to describe Rutazaana Doreen Mushabe Ruta, it would be generosity. She is generous with everything she has got. Material possessions, money, property, time, experience, networks, knowledge. If she has got it, she will spend it on someone. See more

Jackson Twesigye is the Founder and CEO of Nyaka Global and this year he turns 50. A message on the Nyaka Global website captures the heart of what this new year means for him and the work that Nyaka Global is going to build a community of givers who are committed to building themselves up and solving their social issues through generosity. See more

Often, the best way to preach a gospel, is to practice it. CivSource Africa(CSA) staff chose to put into practice what their slogan “Where Philanthropy and Civil Society meet” says.

In March 2021, CSA staff came together to support Raising Teenagers Uganda (RTU), a non-profit organization which promotes access to good menstrual hygiene kits, sanitary pads and underwear for young girls in Karamoja region so that they can stay in school and complete their education. See more

‘Mama Carol’ is a food vendor based at Kyaliwajjala Market. She sells quick snacks and bites like Samosas and fried Cassava chips. These help to reck in some finances to offset her needs.

Since the Covid-19 countrywide lockdown last year, ‘Mama Carol’ had struggled to make ends meet. And because of the restrictions on movement, it was hard for her to commute from her home, which is 10kms from her duty station. See more

The Co-Founder and Managing Director of Rolex Initiative Limited shared his story with us at CivSource Africa, about the work their team has done to support vendors to absorb the shocks which came with the Covid-19 pandemic and the lifting of the lockdown.

Jonah, Mukwaya Nalebo started a Covid-19 Recovery & Resilience Training Programme - RolexPrenuer "StreetSmart" to help small businesses like fast food street vending, bounce back, as they continue to feel the economic turbulence of the pandemic. The program is operational in a few areas around Kampala including Bunga market. See more

Dear Friends,

With your help, I have bought a van that can help us take homeless or vulnerable children and women to hospital if their condition does not require an ambulance” Read a statement on a Facebook page of Henry Mutebe.

Henry Mutebe is widely known on Facebook for his philanthropic support and compassion towards different people in need of rescue, be it, financial help for medical bills, food and any other assistance. He will personally lend a hand or create a fundraising drive to find a solution for anyone in distress. See more