One-by-One…

Omu’Omu Uganda Children is a community-based organization (CBO) near Matgua, Uganda. Omu’Omu means one-by-one in Luganda.

Its Starfish program began in 2002 as an educational sponsorship program for young mothers and their children. Those young mothers have now graduated, and the program now focuses on the educational needs of children. Starting with just a handful of mothers and children, the Omu’Omu Starfish program now helps over 200 children get an education. In January 2019, Omu’Omu Uganda Children became a registered CBO so that it could continue to grow and meet the needs of the children.

Child by Child

Mentor with girls
Paul with students
Mentors visiting students

Omu’Omu does not run a school (although it would love to in the future) but instead finds the best school available for each child. The children live with their parents or guardians through primary school. As they mature, they leave their village primary schools and go to boarding school for secondary. Whenever possible the children go to boarding with other Starfish kids so that they can befriend and support each other.

Omu’Omu mentors visit the children at school and their guardians at home to provide support and monitor their progress.

Starfish Camp

The highlight of the year is the Starfish Camp! Every year, the Starfish children aged 5 and above from all over Uganda gather together on the shores of Lake Victoria for a 4-5 day camp filled with art, music, sports, and faith-based themes. The camp provides a joyous time for the children, where they have fun, work together, and receive mentorship. The children bloom as they become more confident, courageous, and responsible.

Camps happen every May. It costs approximately $80 per child for 5 days of camp. Donations for Camp are always welcome.

Swimming at Starfish Camp

Meet Destiny Sumayiya

Sumayiya graduates from university

Now a college graduate and Omu’Omu mentor…
We first see Destiny Sumayiya at Starfish Camp in 2010 and again in when in university!

October 2024 Update
Here are some photos from a visit to Sumayiya. She started a Supermarket business with savings from her part times jobs, and is growing her business slowly by surely. She is happy and says she is applying what she studied as she works. She has one employee and together they run the business.

Sumayiya still has more dreams to grow her business and our prayers are with her!

Omu’Omu Staff

Thank you very much!

Meet the children’s champions, the staff and mentors of Omu’Omu, as they say “Mwebale nyo”!

  • Mary Ndagire

    Mary Ndagire

    DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

    Mary coordinates all the programs for the children and their guardians. She has advanced degrees in counseling, psychotherapy, social work, and human resources. She has been working with the children since 2003.

  • Paul Tusubira

    Paul Tusubira

    DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

    Paul is responsible for the planning and management of the overall Omu’Omu program. He started working with the team in 2008.

  • Dickson Watelo

    Dickson Watelo

    ACCOUNTANT & MENTOR

    DIckson is responsible for the financial management of Omu’Omu. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting. He began working the children in 2001 and he shares his many years of experience as a mentor.

  • Samuel Gibson

    Samuel Gibson

    SOCIAL WORKER & MENTOR

    Samuel is responsible for the welfare of the children by mentoring and counseling them. He has a degree in Social Work and Social Services. He has been with the team since 2016.

  • Solomon Kisige

    Solomon Kisige

    EDUCATION COORDINATOR & MENTOR

    Solomon knows how important a good education is — he is a lawyer with a Juris Doctor degree from Nkumba University. He joined the team in 2011.

  • Genevieve Abalo

    Genevieve Abalo

    MENTOR

  • Alice Kanyange

    Alice Kanyange

    MENTOR

  • Alex Stewart Ssegaali

    Alex Stewart Ssegaali

    MENTOR

  • Faith Nabukenya

    Faith Nabukenya

    MENTOR