Our History

2006-2007: The Beginning

In 2006, Pastor Jackson Senyonga visited Abundant Life Church in Happy Valley, Oregon, sharing his story of overcoming abandonment and poverty. With God's help, Pastor Jackson and his wife, Eve, have raised and educated hundreds of children to become future leaders in Uganda.

Inspired by his story, Dr. Bruce Douglas and his wife, Debbie, felt called to visit Uganda. They brought a medical team to care for children in the Senyonga Orphan Villages located in Seeta, Eastern Uganda, and Lira, Northern Uganda. In 2007, the first team built a community hall in Seeta, providing a central gathering place for 160 children.

2008: Ukids Is Established

Officially founded in 2008, Ukids partnered with Christian Life Ministries (CLM) to provide support for over 300 children. During the second team's visit to Uganda, they focused on improving living conditions through infrastructure projects:

• Installing a water filtration system for clean drinking water.
• Adding a ventilated kitchen, gutters, and downspouts to the main community hall.
• Constructing the first cistern for water storage.

2009: Ukids Sends The First Container

With the number of children growing from 300 to 800 in 2009, Ukids faced immense challenges in meeting their needs. The first shipping container was sent to the Seeta orphanage, carrying essential supplies:

• Digging a well for consistent water supply.
• Adding more cisterns for water storage.
• Installing electricity in the community hall and homes.
• Hosting Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the children.

2010-2011: Groundbreaking for Life Academy

By 2010, with nearly 1,000 children, the original schoolhouse was overwhelmed. Ukids shipped its second container filled with clothing and supplies to begin building Life Academy. In 2011, construction of the first level was completed, and classes started for primary levels.

That year also marked the first time older children attended secondary school. Sponsorship needs increased as students enrolled in some of Uganda's best private schools, where they lived while pursuing education.

2012-2014: Completing Infrastructure

Between 2012 and 2014, construction of the four-story school building continued, and the fourth shipping container was sent. The school building's roof was completed in 2014. Additional efforts included:

• Building a security wall around the orphanage in Lira.
• Painting a mural at the Seeta orphanage.
• Hosting a race for children at the Seeta orphanage.

2015: Leadership Conferences

Recognizing the struggles faced by young adults transitioning to secondary school, Ukids hosted leadership conferences. These sessions encouraged open conversations and provided resources to help students navigate adulthood.