First Lady lauds UWESO’s 40 years of transforming vulnerable children

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The First Lady, Mrs. Janet Museveni, praised the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) for transforming the lives of vulnerable children over the past four decades, calling for renewed commitment to sustain its impact.

Her message, delivered by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa at the UWESO Annual General Assembly held at the Office of the President Conference Hall on Thursday, reflected on the organisation’s journey from a small women-led initiative into a nationwide force.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa appending his signature on a dummy as he launched UWESO alumnai. Looking on second right is UWESO Chairperson Olive Birungi Lumonya and right is Hon. Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs.

“With a heart full of gratitude to God thus far the Lord has helped us,” she said, recalling how UWESO was founded to respond to children affected by conflict, poverty and HIV/AIDS.

The First Lady emphasised that the organisation’s work goes beyond charity, stressing that, “our mission to improve the quality of life of vulnerable children is not just a charity project but a responsibility.”

She called for sustained investment in education, skills development and strong value systems, noting that “the bridge between survival and success is the environment.”

Presenting the financial report for 2023–2025, UWESO Treasurer Dominic Baru outlined key funding inflows, including sh13 billion from a major donor-supported programme, sh2.6 billion from government for the rehabilitation of street children, and sh1.02 billion from the International Labour Organization to address child labour in coffee-growing communities.

She said internally generated income remained critical, with rental properties contributing about sh2.4 billion, alongside sh344 million from agricultural activities and asset disposals, and sh320 million from short-term investments. Fundraising initiatives raised sh850 million, while donations during the First Lady’s birthday events brought in sh550 million.

However, Baru noted that the termination of USAID funding in 2025 led to a sharp decline in revenue, affecting programme continuity and underscoring the need for diversified funding sources.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa (1st row 6th left) in a group photo with some of the UWESO AGM delegates led by the Chairperson Olive Birungi Lumonya (3rd right) and the Chief Executive Officer Jolly K. Kaguhangire. (2nd right).

UWESO Chief Executive Officer Jolly Kaguhangire said the organisation has reached more than 50,000 beneficiaries over the past three years, despite a tightening donor environment.

She noted that about 9.7 million children in Uganda still lack basic necessities, while 2.87 million are orphaned, highlighting the urgency of sustained interventions.

“We have stepped forward not only with compassion, but with strategic, results-driven interventions,” she said, pointing to gains in education, child protection, youth empowerment and livelihood support.

A testimony by UWESO alumnus and lawyer Ronald William Asiimwe illustrated the organisation’s long-term impact. Orphaned at a young age and raised on the streets of Kampala and Masaka, Asiimwe said his life changed after UWESO outreach teams intervened. 

“They told us we were important… that we had a future,” he said, adding that access to education and rehabilitation programmes “rewrote my story.” 

Now a lawyer and youth leader, Asiimwe said many former beneficiaries have become professionals contributing to society, and are working through an alumni network to support vulnerable children.