The Pendeza Story; from inception to present-date.
The Pendeza Uganda Story
There comes a moment when love is compelled to act — to step out of comfort and meet another’s need. For Pendeza Uganda, that moment came long before we were officially registered as a community-based organization in 2014.
Our story began with mothers and children. At the time, the Child Survival Programme (Compassion International) was providing critical support to expectant mothers and children under the age of three. While impactful, it could not meet every need. Many families fell outside its criteria, yet their struggles were no less urgent. Mothers living with HIV/AIDS, abandoned women with children to feed, and households that couldn’t even afford charcoal to cook donated food remained unseen.
It was clear: handouts alone would never break the cycle of poverty. Something different was needed — an approach that restored dignity, built responsibility, and empowered families to thrive.
Small Beginnings
What would later become Pendeza Uganda started with just 10 women, saving as little as 2,000 shillings a week and recording contributions in a savings book. By the end of 2011, their pooled effort amounted to 5 million shillings. The following year, a joint account was opened with PSAVE SACCO, providing women access to affordable credit facilities.
Many doubted the vision. Could poor women truly embrace a culture of saving and repay micro-loans diligently? The answer came in the lives being transformed before our eyes. With training and encouragement, women became street vendors, charcoal sellers, and small-scale entrepreneurs. Their families began to eat better, live better, and dream bigger.
Encouragement from leaders like Deliverance Church Makerere Hill and individuals such as Catherine Kitongo (Miles to Smiles) helped Pendeza grow from one savings group to many. This expansion opened doors for families excluded from other programs — mothers, fathers, and children now had a chance to build a future.
Growth & Impact
Today, Pendeza Uganda has grown into a family of over 1,500 members. Together, we are building a culture of responsibility, savings, and entrepreneurship. Our portfolio of savings and micro-loans has multiplied. Children are going to school through our child sponsorship program, and countless success stories are being written.
Encouragement and wise counsel from people like Mrs. Priscilla Serukka and Mrs. Carlo Idembe continue to strengthen us. Yet we know — this is not the time to settle. It's time to dream bigger and act with greater determination.
Our vision is clear: to glorify God by equipping vulnerable families and children to break the cycle of poverty, embrace their identity in Christ, and become agents of spiritual and holistic transformation in their communities-with the Big Hairy Audacious Goal of empowering 1 million Ugandans by 2040 to rise above poverty and become agents of change in their communities.
Strong Leadership, Strong Partnerships
Pendeza Uganda is led by a dedicated Board of Directors and supported by a dynamic staff team and volunteers. Our board includes:
Mr. James Monge – Former Regional Sponsorship Managing Director, World Vision International
Mr. Titus Gerald Tumusiime – Country Director, Right To Play (since May 2023)
Mrs. Christine N. Walubo – Founder & Executive Director
Mrs. Sylvia Naiga Mugema – Finance Manager
Mrs. Caroline Nabulime Watero-Leadership & Personal Development Trainer at Leading Boards Africa
Ms. Esther L. Carey- Engagement & Advancement Admin Assistant and Project Coordinator at Christar USA
We are also fortunate to have the support of leadership from advisors and friends, such as Mr. Elijah Omagor-Managing Director at Konnect Initiatives
In May 2023, we launched USA Pendeza Uganda, focused on fundraising and building partnerships. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with Deliverance Church Makerere Hill and the Women’s Nonprofit Alliance (WNA-USA), we are strengthening collaboration and advancing our mission. Deliverance Church Makerere Hill has also provided us with office space and pledged ongoing support.
Looking Ahead
What began with 10 women saving coins has grown into a movement. From sponsorships to savings groups, from micro-loans to mentorship, we see families breaking cycles of poverty and rising as agents of transformation.
This is our invitation: Join us. Stand with the vulnerable men, women, and children of Uganda. Partner with us as we continue to write a story of faith, dignity, and holistic transformation — to the glory of God.
? Read more stories and testimonies of change here: https://pendeza.org/testimonials
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✨ Pendeza Uganda: Every Child, Every Family, Every Story Matters.
