UWESO’s call for sustainability

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The Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) recently convened its General Assembly at the President’s Office. Held twice every four years, the assembly brought together members, founders, stakeholders, partners and friends of the organisation.

In her opening remarks, Chairperson Olive Birungi Lumonya welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation for their continued support.

She noted that despite significant global and national challenges, UWESO has remained resilient and purpose-driven. She further highlighted that the organisation is currently reviewing its strategic plan to enhance relevance and effectiveness.

“This process seeks to streamline service delivery, strengthen women’s empowerment, and promote membership growth and sustainability to secure the organisation’s long-term impact,” she said.

A key highlight of the assembly was the launch of Alumni UWESO, where Ronald Asiimwe William shared his personal journey and expressed gratitude for the transformative role UWESO has played in his life.

The Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, commended the organisation for its impactful work. In his remarks, he emphasised the power of women and the importance of sustainability.

“You can underestimate anything else but not the power of women,” he stated. He encouraged a shift toward self-reliance, adding, “Take whatever little is given as a seed and multiply it. That, to me, is true sustainability, not relying solely on donations,” he also pledged his continued support to the organisation.

Remarks from the patron, Hon. Janet Museveni, were delivered, in which she expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the dedication of UWESO’s founders. Reflecting on the theme, “From Survival to Success: Empowering the Next Generation,” she emphasised that supporting vulnerable individuals must go beyond survival to equipping them for success.

“Securing survival for the vulnerable is not enough; the real impact lies in investing in empowering them to succeed,” she noted, adding that she was pleased with UWESO’s shift from dependency to dignified self-sustenance.

CEO Jolly Kaguhangire thanked members, partners and staff for their contributions, emphasising that UWESO continues to implement strategic, results-driven interventions. She revealed that since the last AGM in 2023, the organisation has reached over 50,000 beneficiaries with essential services.

“To secure UWESO’s sustainability for the next 40 years, our focus is anchored in innovation and self-reliance,” she said.

Treasurer Baru Dominic highlighted financial challenges, including reduced income in the 2023/2024 period and rising maintenance costs. She noted that UWESO has accumulated liabilities exceeding shillings 2 billion. However, she also pointed out that the organisation received shillings 13.09 billion as a direct USAID recipient during 2023 and 2024, supporting vulnerable children across six districts.

A major setback occurred in January 2025, when changes in U.S. foreign funding policy led to the termination of UWESO’s funding. In response, the Government of Uganda stepped in to support initiatives aimed at withdrawing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating vulnerable children from the streets.

This support extended to providing start-up capital for agri-investment projects designed to ensure sustainable care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs). Several projects are now operational, including poultry, piggery, dairy, and coffee farming, alongside income from rentals and local donations.

Despite these challenges, UWESO continues to make strides toward sustainability, with a strong focus on self-reliance over dependency. The organisation remains committed to building a future where empowerment drives lasting impact.