Building Hope, Restoring Childhood, Impacting Futures
The story behind Ewaka
Who We are
Founded in 2013 by Jonas Byaruhanga, the Ewaka Foundation began as a small initiative in the slums of Kamwokya, Kampala, responding to the urgent needs of vulnerable children. We started as a children’s home providing shelter, food, and education, but soon recognized that helping the community required a broader approach. Today, we stand as a holistic community development NGO, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Our Mission
To transform lives through inclusive programs in child welfare, maternal health, women’s economic empowerment, vocational training, and sports-driven community engagement.
Our Vision
To build and grow empowered communities in Uganda where every child, woman, and family thrives with dignity, opportunity, and optimism.
The Beginning (2013)
Founded in 2013 by Jonas Byaruhanga, we began as a small initiative in the slums of Kamwokya, Kampala, responding to the urgent needs of vulnerable children. We started with a simple rented house, providing basic shelter and food for our first 10 children
Growth & Expansion
As our family grew, so did our ambitions. In 2014, we acquired land in Kyabirwa, Jinja District, and by 2016, we successfully relocated all operations to our own permanent foundation home.
Today & Beyond
Today, we are a holistic community development NGO. We have expanded beyond residential care to include maternal health, vocational training, women’s empowerment, and community sports.
The Ewaka Approach: Driving Sustainable Change
Integrated Holistic Support
We believe that health, education, and social development are deeply interconnected. Our programs are designed to break the cycle of poverty by providing a multidisciplinary safety net that covers every stage of life—from early childhood development and maternal healthcare to vocational training and youth engagement. We do not just treat symptoms; we address the root causes of vulnerability to ensure lasting wellbeing.
Community Ownership & Collaboration
Our approach is firmly rooted in the local community. We recognize that sustainable development cannot be imposed from the outside; it must be built from within. By fostering strong partnerships with local leaders, families, and community members, we ensure that our projects are culturally relevant and socially supported. We prioritize building local staff capacity to ensure our initiatives remain self-sustaining long-term.and maternal healthcare to vocational training and youth engagement. We do not just treat symptoms; we address the root causes of vulnerability to ensure lasting wellbeing.
Economic Independence & Resilience
We focus on moving our beneficiaries from a state of relief to true resilience. Through our vocational training and women’s savings and investment schemes, we equip individuals with market-relevant skills and financial literacy. Our goal is to provide the tools necessary for economic self-reliance, allowing families to build their own futures and secure their independence.
Holistic Family Wellness
We understand that a child’s development is tied to the strength of their family unit. Our interventions extend beyond the individual to include professional mental health support, parental education, and fatherhood engagement. By stabilizing the home environment—through counseling and peer-to-peer support circles—we protect infants from neglect and foster healthy, secure relationships that endure.
Milestones
2013: Launch of the initiative in Kamwokya slums.
2014: Land acquisition in Kyabirwa, Jinja District.
2016: Relocation to the permanent foundation home.
2018: Completion of the Ewaka Sports Center.
2023: Introduction of Maternal Health & Women Empowerment programs.
2025: Establishment of the Women’s Savings and Investment Scheme.