Nebbi, Uganda: Compassion International Uganda and its partner churches have celebrated 20 years of holistic child development impact in the Greater Nebbi cluster, supporting 3,931 children and youth since 2006 through a Christ-centred, church-driven programme.
The milestone event, held at the Nebbi Church of Uganda Diocese Women Vocational Training Center grounds in Goli, Jupangira Sub-county, brought together hundreds of current participants, alumni, caregivers and community leaders in a thanksgiving ceremony marked by testimonies and celebration.
Since the partnership was launched in 2006 across Pakwach, Nebbi and Zombo districts, 2,541 children remain active in the programme, while 1,390 have graduated, equipped with education, vocational skills and spiritual grounding to transition into responsible Christian adulthood.
The programme operates through nine church-based Child Development Centres (CDCs): Koch-Awinga, Amor, Warr-Aluka, Pajur-Alala, Adusi, Otal, Miracle Center Paidha, Adhingi and Panyango. These centres provide long-term support addressing children’s spiritual, physical, cognitive and socio-emotional needs.
Tom Angutoko, Partnership Facilitator for the Nebbi, Zombo and Pakwach cluster, said the 20-year journey reflects God’s faithfulness and the resilience of vulnerable families.
“From the time the partnership began in 2006, 3,931 participants have been supported. Many children who entered malnourished or with critical health conditions are now energetic and healthy,” Angutoko said.
He cited six major Complementary Interventions undertaken over the years, including a life-saving heart surgery at Mulago National Referral Hospital costing UGX 25 million. Spiritually, he added, about 900 exited participants accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and remain active in church fellowship.
Education achievements under the partnership include 36 bachelor’s degrees, 36 diplomas and 228 certificates earned across various disciplines. Graduates now serve as doctors, teachers, engineers and health workers in different parts of the region, contributing to community transformation.
Complementary Interventions have also extended to families and churches. The programme constructed 21 shelters for vulnerable households previously living in dilapidated structures, supported around 1,000 caregivers with income-generating projects including goat rearing valued at over UGX 120 million, and installed solar equipment in six village-based churches worth UGX 30 million.
Mr. Emmanuel Ahimbisibwe, National Director of Compassion International Uganda, said the organisation, active in Uganda since 1980, now partners with more than 400 local churches in 123 of Uganda’s 146 districts, serving over 158,000 children through interdenominational collaboration.
He commended the government for providing a stable environment that enables sustained child development programming.
The Rt. Rev. Pons Ozelle Awinju, Bishop of Nebbi Church of Uganda Diocese, praised the cluster leadership and partner churches for their steadfast commitment to vulnerable children and families.
Nebbi LCV Chairperson Emmanuel Orombi lauded the initiative for complementing government poverty alleviation efforts and called for expansion of similar interventions to Jupangira Sub-county.
Beneficiaries Share Transformational Stories
Ana Ayiorwoth, Acting Chairperson of the Alumni Association, said she joined the programme at age seven in 2006 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work through the support received.
Jane Ayiorwoth from Miracle Center Paidha credited the programme for enrolling her children in school and constructing a permanent home for her family, replacing a dilapidated structure.
Rwothomio Robert, who lost his father at age four, said Compassion’s intervention enabled him to complete his education and now serve as a health worker with Zombo District Local Government.
The celebrations climaxed with Bishop Awinju, National Director Ahimbisibwe, LCV Chairperson Orombi and other dignitaries cutting a cake to mark two decades of impact.
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